Deepika Padukone out of Prabhas’ ‘Spirit’ following reported clash with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga

Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, who is known for his intense films like Kabir Singh and Animal, has reportedly parted ways with Deepika Padukone for his upcoming action-thriller Spirit. The film, starring Prabhas, is touted as a global release and was earlier said to feature Deepika as the female lead. However, recent developments suggest otherwise.

As per sources close to the production, Deepika’s professional terms didn’t align with the director’s vision. The actress is said to have requested strict 8-hour shooting schedules, which insiders claim translated to only about 6 hours of productive filming time. This, reportedly, created a major issue in coordinating shoot plans.

The decision to drop her from the project wasn’t immediate. But friction built up when Deepika allegedly asked for a hefty remuneration along with a percentage of the film’s profits. Adding to this, the actress is said to have declined speaking Telugu lines for the film — something that reportedly didn’t sit well with Vanga, who is particular about linguistic authenticity in his films.

“Sandeep sir was disappointed. There were too many non-negotiables from Deepika’s side,” said a crew member on condition of anonymity. It is understood that after multiple discussions, the director chose to move forward without her. The hunt for a new leading lady has now begun.

Initially, the combination of Prabhas and Deepika in a Sandeep Reddy Vanga film had generated immense buzz, with fans expecting a gripping on-screen pairing. The film, Spirit, is positioned as a pan-world release and is being seen as a high-octane action drama from the filmmaker.

While an official statement is still awaited from either side, the industry has already begun speculating who might replace Deepika. Sandeep Reddy Vanga is known for choosing powerful female characters in his films, and the new cast announcement is likely to follow soon.

For now, Deepika continues to be associated with several high-profile projects, but her exit from Spirit marks a significant change in one of the most anticipated collaborations in Indian cinema.