Deepika Padukone's exit from Spirit has also stirred up the following controversy after filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga's brother Pranay Reddy Vanga stated that Deepika Padukone wanted to take 10% of the film’s profits. Deepika seems to have now taken up the debate by liking an Instagram post that criticised the reaction to her request.
The development has reignited debates on remuneration, profit-sharing and gender dynamics in the Indian film industry. Deepika's exit from Spirit had already attracted much attention, but this was the first time it was brought out in the open, and the comments made now have brought the matter back to light.
Deepika Likes Instagram Post
Janvi Manchanda published a detailed post on Instagram in response to Pranay Reddy Vanga's comments. The post asked why a woman's reported demand for a profit share was being treated differently than similar arrangements involving male actors.
The post pointed out that profit sharing is a common practice for leading male stars and questioned Deepika’s accusations for seeking a percentage of the film’s profits.
One slide described the backlash as a reaction to a woman rejecting a professional deal and described it as a manifestation of misogyny.
Deepika Padukone appeared to be in support of the sentiment by liking the post. The social media interaction caught the attention of fans and followers very early on, and many saw it as an act of the actress expressing her support for the sentiment but not addressing the controversy directly.
The post received thousands of likes, reposts and comments, and a large number of users backed Deepika.
What Motivated the Spirit Controversy?
Deepika’s exit from Spirit dates back more than a year. Reports at the time suggested that disagreements over the film’s production arrangements and working conditions were to blame.
One report was that Deepika, who had recently become a mother, wanted an eight-hour working day. There was also speculation about remuneration and other contractual matters.
The issue reappeared in recent days when Pranay Reddy Vanga discussed Deepika's departure in a recent interview and offered his version of events.
Pranay said remuneration and scheduling were the reasons behind the dispute. Deepika had asked for 10% of the film's profits, according to him, he said.
Pranay Reddy Vanga's Claims
Pranay said the production team was open to discussing the actress’ demands but ultimately concluded that the proposed financial arrangement did not work within the film’s budget.
He said an actor can ask for whatever they want, but the economics of the project also need to make sense for the producers. According to his account, the team eventually decided to explore other casting options.
Pranay also claimed that details about the discussions and the film’s story and character were leaked after the negotiations became contentious.
Such claims haven't led to Deepika Padukone on the record addressing that issue in detail. But her seemingly enthusiastic support for the Instagram post is widely interpreted on the internet as a reaction to the renewed debate.
Gender Equality Debate
The latest development has shifted much of the conversation away from the specifics of Spirit and toward the broader question of gender equality in the entertainment industry.
Deepika’s Instagram post, liked by Deepika, questioned why women seeking financial terms similar to those negotiated by male stars can face disproportionate criticism.
Profit-sharing agreements are not rare among well-known film stars, especially when an actor's market value and box office pull are regarded as critical aspects in the commercial prospects of a project.
The debate also raises questions of how female actors’ professional negotiations are discussed publicly and whether similar demands are judged differently depending on who makes them.
Spirit's Current Cast and Release
Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Spirit stars Prabhas and Triptii Dimri in the lead roles. Deepika is no longer part of the project.
The film is due to release in March 2027 and is among the most eagerly awaited upcoming projects in Indian cinema and is the first film to link Prabhas and Vanga.
Deepika's departure from the project has now become the focus of the ongoing controversy. Pranay Reddy Vanga has given his own account of the negotiations, but Deepika's support for the Instagram post has added a new layer of discussion.
This episode has only served to fuel a larger debate about remuneration, working conditions, and the treatment of women in the film industry.
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