Prabhas' Raja Saab Team Worked 16–18 Hours Daily After Deepika Padukone Exited Spirit

With the teaser release of The Raja Saab, Telugu Rebel star Prabhas is all set to make a grand comeback to the silver screen. The teaser hints at a fresh, humorous side of the “Rebel Star,” diverging from his usual high-octane action roles. The film, a horror-fantasy entertainer, has already ignited excitement among fans for showing Prabhas in a never-before-seen avatar filled with charm and wit.

Hype Around Spirit Grows Despite Deepika Padukone’s Exit

The buzz surrounding The Raja Saab has also renewed attention on Prabhas’ other big project, Spirit, directed by the often-controversial Sandeep Reddy Vanga. The film made headlines after Deepika Padukone reportedly exited the project. Her departure was allegedly due to several demands, including a strict eight-hour workday, a hefty paycheck, a share in profits, and refusal to speak Telugu, which could not be accommodated by the production team.

Producers Talk About Long Working Hours & Production Challenges

During The Raja Saab teaser launch event in Hyderabad, producer TG Vishwa Prasad addressed the discussion around on-set work hours, indirectly referencing the Spirit controversy. He shared that The Raja Saab was an ambitious production, taking over two and a half years to complete, with nearly 300 days spent solely on VFX.

“We began our major schedule after Kalki 2898 AD, from late July to December. I don’t know how director Maruthi managed it he started at 6 am and went on until 11 pm daily, for over 120 days straight,” said Prasad, emphasizing the crew’s dedication.

Director Maruthi added that while the actors maintained standard 8-hour shifts, the crew went the extra mile. “We worked double shifts. I'd split scenes with different actors, but the crew worked from 6 am to 10 pm every day. That’s how we maintained quality and delivered so much content,” he told India Today.

New Female Lead for Spirit

Following Deepika’s exit, rising star Triptii Dimri, who previously appeared in Animal (2023), was brought in as the new female lead in Spirit. The film is expected to begin shooting later this year.

Release Date

The Raja Saab is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on December 5, 2025, promising a blend of horror, fantasy, and fun marking a significant shift in Prabhas' screen persona.