The upcoming Pan-India film Spirit, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga and starring powerhouse Prabhas, has become embroiled in controversy following reports of Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone’s withdrawal from the project. Industry sources suggest that Deepika’s stringent demands regarding work hours and additional remuneration led to her decision to exit the film, sparking widespread speculation.
According to reports from Bollywood media, Deepika had requested to limit her working hours to six per day and sought higher pay for any extra shooting days. These conditions were reportedly considered unfeasible for the film’s high-budget production, leading to dissatisfaction among the producers and the subsequent breakdown of the collaboration.
Amid the ongoing controversy, actress Tamannaah has drawn attention by liking a social media reel highlighting issues faced by women in the film industry, including gender discrimination, wage disparities, and the pressures of extended working hours. The reel also features a clip of Deepika discussing her financial independence, accompanied by a caption emphasizing intolerance toward disrespect and gender bias. Industry analysts interpret Tamannaah’s action as a subtle show of support for Deepika in light of the current allegations.
Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga has also responded indirectly to the situation. Reacting to a detailed story published by the entertainment website Pinkvilla about *Spirit*’s plot and casting, Vanga took to his X (formerly Twitter) account with a sarcastic remark, suggesting the writer might have overheard the story directly from him. This has fueled speculation about possible insider leaks and attempts to destabilize the project after Deepika’s departure.
Further rumors have emerged concerning Tripti Dimri, who is reportedly cast as another female lead in the film. Reports suggesting that her character crosses certain boundaries have prompted Vanga to publicly express his displeasure.
The controversy surrounding Spirit continues to generate buzz in both film and media circles, with stakeholders and fans closely monitoring further developments.
