Deepika Padukone’s exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit, starring Prabhas, had sparked a major controversy, with reports at the time claiming that differences over remuneration and working hours were behind the last-minute casting change.The controversy was resurrected by Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s brother, Pranay Reddy Vanga, who also serves as a producer on the project. In his latest interview going viral online, he made fresh claims about the reasons for Padukone’s departure.
Pranay Reddy Vanga on Deepika Padukone’s exit from ‘Spirit’
When asked what led to the filmmaker’s decision to ditch Deepika for Triptii Dimri, Pranay alleged that disagreements were over remuneration, scheduling and other aspects of the project. In the video, translated from Telugu, he said, “The reason is the same as what was already mentioned. One was remuneration, the second was timing. Apart from that, there are some other reasons too. I don’t remember on the top of my head right now, but there were multiple things. It was Sandeep’s call.”
Pranay Reddy Vanga alleges Deepika Padukone asked for 10% profit share
According to Pranay, Sandeep had been in touch with Padukone for nearly a year and a half and was keen to cast her in the Prabhas-led film. He claimed that the actress’ successful run at the box office had put her in a position to negotiate for higher remuneration and other terms. He elaborated, “She demanded 10 percent from the film’s profit. Soon after, everything went overboard. See, she can ask for anything. If we are willing to give, we can give. But the economics (budget) should also work out for us. We thought that it was not working. This is why we thought of other options.”
Pranay Reddy Vanga alleged film details were leaked
He also went on to allege, “Once we started looking for other options, they started leaking everything.”Pranay also claimed that the ‘Spirit’ team had spent more than a year discussing the film’s story and Padukone’s character with the actress. He alleged that details from those discussions were subsequently revealed publicly. “We discussed the story and character with her. Things discussed internally should not be revealed but she leaked all of them. That is why we are disturbed,” he said.He further maintained that the makers had no problem paying Padukone an additional Rs 5–6 crore, but asserted that it was the overall economics and terms of the project that led to the fallout.
About the ‘Spirit’ conroversy
Deepika’s exit from the film created quite the controversy online, following the actress’ highly publicised demands for an eight-hour working schedule. The actress addressed the issue last year, questioning why female actors should not make such demands when male superstars could work similar hours and limit their schedules to weekdays.‘Spirit’ is scheduled to release in theatres in March 2027.
