Rukmini Vasanth in Talks to Replace Deepika Padukone in Prabhas-Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Spirit’

In a significant development surrounding the highly anticipated action drama Spirit, Kannada actress Rukmini Vasanth is reportedly being considered to step into the lead female role, following Deepika Padukone’s exit from the project. Helmed by Arjun Reddy and Animal director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the film stars pan-India superstar Prabhas in the lead, portraying a dynamic police officer entangled in a gritty fight against a powerful drug cartel.

Deepika’s Exit Over Remuneration Dispute

Sources reveal that Deepika Padukone, who was initially cast opposite Prabhas, walked away from the project due to unresolved financial negotiations. Reports suggest that the actress demanded a remuneration of ₹40 crore, while the producers were only willing to offer ₹20 crore — a gap that led to her departure. This isn’t the first star-studded fallout from the project, as earlier reports had indicated that both Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan also distanced themselves from Spirit, citing similar compensation issues.

Rukmini Vasanth Being Considered for Lead Role

Now, with the film’s production team in the process of recalibrating the cast, acclaimed actress Rukmini Vasanth has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Deepika. According to Telugu entertainment portal Aakashavaani, talks with Rukmini are currently underway, although no official announcement has been made. Known for her impressive performance in Sapta Sagaradaache Ello, Rukmini’s potential casting marks a major leap into the pan-Indian cinema space.

If finalised, this collaboration with Prabhas and Vanga could prove to be a career-defining opportunity for the rising actress, who is also currently seen in the Vijay Sethupathi-starrer Ace.

About the Film ‘Spirit’

Spirit is envisioned as a high-octane cop drama centred around the battle between a fearless police officer and an influential drug syndicate. Prabhas, who enjoys a massive fan base across India, is expected to bring intense depth to his role as the protagonist. The film is slated for a 2026 release and is expected to be mounted on a grand scale with Vanga’s signature emotional intensity and stylised storytelling.

Prabhas’ Packed Lineup

While Spirit continues to be fine-tuned, Prabhas remains one of the busiest stars in the industry. He is also working on several big-ticket projects, including:

The Raja Saab, a romantic horror comedy directed by Maruthi, co-starring Nidhhi Agerwal, Malavika Mohanan, and Riddhi Kumar.

An upcoming untitled project with filmmaker Hanu Raghavapudi.

Sequels to the action thriller Salaar and the mytho-sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD.

A special cameo appearance in Vishnu Manchu’s Kannappa.

With Spirit aiming to bring a fresh and intense narrative to the big screen, the filmmakers are keen to finalise the cast soon and move forward with production. If Rukmini Vasanth is indeed brought on board, it would mark a notable shift in casting dynamics and potentially introduce a fresh pairing that could surprise audiences.

Stay tuned for more updates on the official confirmation and further developments on Spirit.