Did Deepika Padukone choose Atlee’s film over Vanga’s ‘Spirit’? What really happened behind the exit drama?

Deepika Padukone has once again found herself in the eye of a social media storm, but this time, it’s not about her fashion or a film trailer. The actress recently walked out of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit, starring Prabhas, sparking a whirlwind of speculation. Initial reports suggested that Deepika exited due to disagreements over remuneration and her request for an eight-hour work shift, especially after embracing motherhood. However, fresh sources now claim the real reason was far more strategic.

According to a recent Bollywood Hungama report, Deepika had nearly signed on the dotted line for Spirit and was quite excited about her role. But just a week later, she was approached for another high-profile project; Atlee’s upcoming sci-fi action thriller with Allu Arjun. Deepika reportedly fell in love with Atlee’s script and chose it over Spirit due to overlapping schedules. Naturally, she had to make a choice, and she picked Atlee’s film, which promises a gripping, futuristic storyline and an intense action-packed avatar for the actress.

Her decision led to a heated debate in the industry and among fans. Many speculated whether her exit was due to her demands as a new mother. Deepika and husband Ranveer Singh recently welcomed their baby girl, Dua, into the world. Her wish for an eight-hour work shift post-motherhood became a trending topic, with celebrities like Ajay Devgn, Vidya Balan, Sonakshi Sinha, and Vikrant Massey stepping in to support work-life balance for new mothers in the film industry.

While Deepika remained tight-lipped, the conversation escalated when Sandeep Reddy Vanga took a not-so-subtle dig on social media, indirectly slamming the actress’s PR narrative and decisions. Soon after, the Kabir Singh director officially announced Triptii Dimri as the new female lead opposite Prabhas, sharing a post that read, “The female lead for my film is now official.”

Meanwhile, Deepika’s teaser reveal in Atlee’s film went viral on Instagram. She’s seen in a bold, high-octane action role, futuristic visuals, sleek stunts, and all the makings of a pan-India blockbuster. The film, tentatively titled AA22xA6, is already creating buzz.

With King also on the cards, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, and more, Deepika’s post-motherhood career is surging with power moves. And if anything, this controversy only proves one thing: Deepika Padukone is calling the shots her way.