Deepika Padukone’s exit from the highly-anticipated film Spirit has once again become a major talking point after producer Pranay Reddy Vanga, brother of director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, brought up the reason behind Deepika’s departure in a press conference.
The controversy, which has largely been buried, resumed in the wake of Pranay’s claim that the casting change was the result of disagreements about salary, working hours and profit-sharing. Deepika has now taken up the issue by liking a viral social-media post in which he called it a "male ego crisis," which only adds to the controversy.
Pranay Reddy Vanga recently claimed that Deepika’s negotiations for Spirit consisted of several conditions. He claimed that the actress wanted to make 10 per cent of the movie’s profit in addition to her salary. Pranay Reddy Vanga also pointed out that differences in the shooting schedule and other terms were among the obstacles that made it difficult for both sides to come together. So now we know that Deepika is not only in trouble, but Triptii Dimri is the one she replaced.
Work hours have been on the agenda since Deepika left for home. Earlier reports suggest that she wanted an eight-hour work day. Deepika had also spoken publicly about it, stating that a specific working schedule should not be considered unreasonable and that male actors have also worked under the same arrangements. She had also said she generally prefers to deal with professional disagreements privately and with dignity.
The latest social-media move has received much attention because it is probably Deepika’s indirect response to the new controversy. Instead of issuing a lengthy public statement, the actress liked a post that framed the episode within the context of gender and workplace expectations. The post called the row a “male ego crisis,” and fans and industry analysts also questioned whether Deepika agrees with the sentiment.
But it is important to distinguish between the actress’ liking a social media post and making a formal statement. Deepika has not, according to the reports available, personally confirmed every allegation made by the Spirit producer. The claim about the 10 per cent profit share is an allegation from the production side, not a version of events independently confirmed by Deepika. There was also a variety of competing accounts in the early days about remuneration, working hours and other contractual discussions.
The debate also reflects a larger conversation about working conditions in the Indian film industry. Shooting hours, wages, profit participation, professional boundaries and how much the leading actors are expected to receive have become part of the conversation. Deepika’s case is also different as she had previously pointed out that male actors in such situations were not always as much in demand.
Deepika’s departure has brought in Triptii Dimri as the female lead opposite Prabhas. Spirit is directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and is scheduled for release on March 2027. It’s still one of the most eagerly awaited movies because of Prabhas’ star power and Vanga’s reputation after Arjun Reddy and Animal.
The renewed controversy has not disappeared just yet, not even with the producer’s latest comments and Deepika’s social-media response. But as of now there’s more than one answer for the casting change. Deepika’s encounter with the viral “male ego crisis” post certainly has added to the controversy, but it is not a full official statement from her.
As Spirit moves forward with Triptii Dimri in the female lead, the focus will then be on the film itself and whether the controversy over the casting of Deepika is still on the agenda before the film comes out. Deepika has once again found herself in the center of a huge Bollywood debate about her work and conditions, and we could see in the latest developments that what she did with her job was still on the agenda a few months after the casting change.
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