Deepika Padukone vs. Sandeep Reddy Vanga: The Spirit Controversy Unraveled

The Bollywood industry is no stranger to drama, but the recent feud between Deepika Padukone and director Sandeep Reddy Vanga over the film Spirit has taken social media by storm. The controversy, sparked by Deepika’s exit from the highly anticipated Prabhas-starrer, has ignited heated debates about professionalism, feminism, and creative differences in the film industry. Here’s a deep dive into what happened, why it matters, and what fans are saying about it.

The Backstory: Deepika’s Exit from Spirit

Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and backed by T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures, was set to be a major cinematic event, featuring Telugu superstar Prabhas and initially, Deepika Padukone as the female lead. The film, billed as an intense cop action drama, promised to be a blockbuster, especially after Vanga’s success with Animal. However, reports surfaced that Deepika walked away from the project, leading to her replacement by Animal breakout star Triptii Dimri.

Speculation around Deepika’s exit points to several reasons. According to industry sources, Deepika, a new mother to her daughter Dua, requested a work schedule limited to six hours of shooting per day to balance her professional and personal life. Additionally, she reportedly demanded ₹20 crore for her role—her highest fee to date—along with a share in the film’s profits and extra pay for shoots extending beyond 100 days. Some unverified reports also claim she refused to dub dialogues in Telugu, a key requirement for the pan-India project. These demands allegedly clashed with Vanga’s vision and led to her departure.

Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Cryptic Outburst

The controversy escalated when Vanga took to X to share a fiery post, seemingly directed at Deepika without naming her directly. He wrote:

“When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) between us. But by doing this, you’ve ‘DISCLOSED’ the person that you are… Putting down a younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for? As a filmmaker, I put years of hard work behind my craft & for me, filmmaking is everything.”

Vanga’s post suggested that Deepika leaked details about Spirit’s plot, which some reports claim bore similarities to the Tamil film Theri. He also accused her of undermining Triptii Dimri, the “younger actor” who replaced her. The director’s remarks, coupled with a Hindi proverb (“The cat scratches the pole out of spite”), fueled speculation that he was frustrated by Deepika’s alleged unprofessional conduct and her team’s PR tactics.

Deepika’s Subtle Response

Deepika, known for her composed demeanor, has not directly addressed Vanga’s accusations. However, during a recent Cartier event in Stockholm, she spoke to Vogue Arabia about navigating challenges, saying:

“What keeps me balanced is just being truthful, being authentic. Whenever I’m faced with complicated or difficult situations, to be able to listen to my inner voice and just stand by decisions that really give me a lot of peace is when I feel most in equilibrium.”

Fans interpreted this as a subtle clapback, emphasizing her commitment to her principles. Deepika has long been an advocate for gender pay parity and mental health awareness, and her decision to prioritize her well-being as a new mother resonates with many.

Social Media’s Divided Reaction

The feud has polarized fans and netizens, with social media platforms buzzing with opinions. Some users have sided with Vanga, accusing Deepika of playing “dirty PR games” by allegedly leaking plot details to deflect criticism for her exit. One X user wrote, “Smart move replacing her. You got a better actress, saved 15–20 crores, and the film’s value just shot up.” Others praised Vanga’s bold stance, with comments like, “Finally, Deepika’s ugly PR game has met its match in Vanga.”

On the other hand, Deepika’s fans have fiercely defended her, arguing that her demands were reasonable given her status and new responsibilities as a mother. One supporter posted, “Deepika doesn’t need to play in the mud to stay clean. But thanks for confirming who’s actually doing the PR stunts here.” Another fan remarked, “You messed up with the wrong woman. Deepika isn’t scared of anyone.” Many also criticized Vanga’s track record, pointing to the misogynistic undertones in his films like Arjun Reddy and Kabir Singh, with one user stating, “You don’t get to question someone’s feminism just because she chose not to enable your idea of cinema.”

The controversy has also drawn attention to Triptii Dimri, who has faced unfair scrutiny. Some reports suggested Deepika’s team implied that Triptii was cast for her willingness to perform “bold scenes,” leading fans to call out the “slut-shaming” of the younger actress. One netizen wrote, “In all this mess, the most mud-slinging is happening on Triptii without any fault of her.”

Industry Voices Weigh In

The debate has pulled in other industry figures, notably Ajay Devgn and Kajol, who addressed the issue of shorter work hours for mothers during the trailer launch of their film Maa. Kajol humorously supported the idea, saying, “I love the fact that you can work less,” while Ajay took a more serious stance: “Most honest filmmakers will not have problems with it. Most of the industry understands this.” Their comments suggest a growing acceptance of work-life balance in Bollywood, aligning with Deepika’s stance.

What’s Next for Spirit?

With Triptii Dimri now confirmed as the female lead, playing a doctor who falls in love with Prabhas’ cop character, Spirit is moving forward. The film, set to begin shooting in 2025, remains one of the most anticipated projects in Indian cinema, buoyed by Vanga’s reputation and Prabhas’ star power. Triptii expressed her excitement on Instagram, writing, “Still sinking in… So grateful to be trusted with this journey. Thank you @sandeepreddy.vanga.”

Meanwhile, Deepika’s exit has sparked broader conversations about gender dynamics, pay parity, and professionalism in Bollywood. Her decision to walk away from a project that didn’t align with her values—whether due to pay disputes, creative differences, or scheduling conflicts—highlights her commitment to her principles, even at the cost of a high-profile role.

The Bigger Picture

This feud is more than just a clash of egos; it reflects deeper tensions in the film industry. Deepika’s advocacy for equal pay and work-life balance challenges traditional expectations of actors, particularly women, in a male-dominated industry. Vanga’s outspoken criticism, while polarizing, underscores the pressures filmmakers face to protect their creative vision. As fans continue to pick sides, the Spirit controversy serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between art, commerce, and personal values in Bollywood.

What do you think? Is Deepika’s stance a bold move for equality, or did Vanga have a point about professionalism? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and stay tuned to kishanbaraiya.com for more Bollywood updates!

Sources: LiveMint, Bollywood Hungama, Hindustan Times, NDTV, Times of India, Financial Express, IndiaTimes, News18