Mumbai:
The much-anticipated film Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and starring pan India superstar Prabhas, has recently found itself at the center of a heated controversy following the reported exit of Deepika Padukone and her replacement by rising star Triptii Dimri. What started as speculation about casting decisions quickly spiraled into a full blown war of words online, with fans, critics, and even the filmmaker himself jumping into the fray.
Deepika Out, Triptii In
Deepika Padukone was originally said to be playing the female lead in Spirit, a high-budget action drama from the director of Arjun Reddy and Animal. However, her sudden exit raised eyebrows, especially after news broke that Triptii Dimri—fresh off her breakout success in Animal—would be taking over the role.
While official reasons for Deepika’s departure remain unclear, industry insiders suggest that creative differences and scheduling conflicts may have played a role. Others have pointed to reported fee negotiations, with Padukone allegedly demanding upwards of ₹20 crore, compared to Triptii Dimri’s ₹4 crore.
Vanga’s Explosive Response
The tension reached new heights when Sandeep Reddy Vanga appeared to take a direct shot at Padukone in a social media post. Without naming her, he accused an unnamed actor of engaging in “dirty PR games” and trying to sabotage the project’s reputation. The cryptic but pointed message sparked a storm of speculation, with most netizens interpreting it as a reference to Padukone.
This move divided social media users. Some applauded Vanga for calling out what they perceived as unprofessional behavior, while others criticized the director for airing grievances publicly and possibly attempting to smear a leading actress.
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Social Media Reactions: Misogyny or Misunderstanding?
The backlash wasn’t limited to the individuals involved. Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s comments reignited ongoing concerns about his treatment of female characters in his films. Critics accused him of perpetuating misogyny, both in his storytelling and now, possibly, in real life interactions with talent. Supporters, however, argued that the situation was being overblown and that casting changes are common in the film industry.
Meanwhile, Triptii Dimri, now officially confirmed as the female lead, has chosen to stay above the fray, focusing on her growing career momentum. Her inclusion marks a significant step forward, placing her alongside one of Indian cinema’s biggest stars in what promises to be a major commercial release.
What’s Next for Spirit?
Despite the off-screen drama, Spirit continues to generate buzz. The film marks a major collaboration between Prabhas and Vanga, both of whom command a massive fan base. While the controversy may have cast a temporary shadow, the project still holds strong commercial potential, and fans remain eager for updates on its production timeline.
Whether this row ultimately impacts the film’s reception remains to be seen. For now, the clash between one of Bollywood’s biggest actresses and one of its most controversial directors has certainly ensured that Spirit stays in the headlines.
