Deepika Quits Spirit; Work Conditions, Pay Reportedly Disputed
Deepika Padukone walks out of Spirit with Prabhas citing pay, schedule, and language issues; filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga begins recasting.
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Bollywood star Deepika Padukone is no longer part of filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s multilingual film Spirit, which stars Prabhas in the lead. The development marks a significant shift in the high-profile project that had generated considerable attention among fans and industry insiders.
Industry sources have confirmed that Padukone exited the project following prolonged disagreements over work conditions and financial terms. According to a report by Gulte, tensions arose after Padukone requested a structured work schedule, including an 8-hour shift with only 6 hours reserved for actual filming. The report also suggests she demanded a sizable fee, reportedly around Rs 20 crore, along with a share in the film's profits.
The production team reportedly viewed these requests as excessive. Sources described her terms as unaligned with the director’s working style, leading to strained discussions. Talks further deteriorated when Padukone allegedly declined to perform dialogues in Telugu — a key requirement for the pan-India production.
Initial delays in production were attributed to Padukone’s pregnancy, with reports indicating the film’s shoot was pushed from late 2024 to accommodate her schedule. Despite attempts to adjust timelines, and after initial acceptance, creative differences resurfaced and widened.
Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for films such as Arjun Reddy and Kabir Singh, has reportedly begun exploring alternative casting options for the female lead. Neither Padukone nor Vanga have issued official statements confirming her exit.
Padukone was last seen in Kalki 2898 AD, which was a commercial success. Since then, she has taken a step back from acting, focusing on her family life following the birth of her daughter, Dua Padukone Singh, in September 2024 with husband Ranveer Singh.
The status of Spirit remains under watch, with fans awaiting updates on the revised cast and shooting schedule. Meanwhile, teaser releases for Prabhas’ other upcoming project, *The Raja Saab*, are expected by month-end, fueling further anticipation.
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