“Putting down a younger actor and ousting my story?"
Prabhas’ upcoming film Spirit has become the centre of controversy after reports emerged that Deepika Padukone had exited the project.
It was reported that she and director Sandeep Reddy Vanga fell out over her series of demands, which included eight-hour shifts, huge pay, and a share in profits, along with the refusal to speak the Telugu lines.
Things apparently escalated when Sandeep accused an unnamed person of leaking confidential details and playing “dirty PR games”.
Deepika was originally expected to star alongside Prabhas in Spirit, following their work on Kalki 2898 AD.
But she ended up leaving the film.
Soon after, Triptii Dimri, who starred in Sandeep’s last film Animal, was confirmed as the new female lead.
The casting change was quickly followed by a leak.
Pinkvilla published an article revealing that Spirit will feature ‘A-Rated Action’, a detail not previously confirmed by the filmmakers.
Sandeep hit out at the leak and criticised an unnamed person for revealing the news.
He tweeted: “When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) between us.
“But by doing this, you’ve ‘DISCLOSED’ the person that you are…
“Putting down a younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for? As a filmmaker, I put years of hard work behind my craft and for me, filmmaking is everything.
“You didn’t get it. You won’t get it. You will never get it.”
“Next time, tell them the complete story because I don’t really care.”
Sandeep concluded with the proverb, “Khundak mein billi khamba noche,” and added the hashtag “Dirty PR Games”.
Although he didn’t name anyone, the timing has led many to believe he was calling out Deepika Padukone.
When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA(Non Disclosure Agreement) between us. But by doing this, You’ve ‘DISCLOSED’ the person that you are….
Putting down a Younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for ? As a…— Sandeep Reddy Vanga (@imvangasandeep) May 26, 2025
Pinkvilla also cited a source saying, “Sandeep Reddy Vanga wanted to cast an actress who would be comfortable with the sequences written on paper.
“He has promised a comfortable and professional atmosphere on the sets amidst the shoot to Triptii.”
Additional details reported by Bollywood Hungama suggest Triptii will play a doctor who falls in love with Prabhas’ character.
A source said: “Triptii Dimri plays the part of a hot doctor who falls in love with Prabhas.”
Despite the backlash and rumours, production on Spirit appears to be continuing with Triptii Dimri confirmed in the lead role.
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