Bollywood is no stranger to drama, but the latest feud surrounding Spirit, the upcoming Prabhas-starrer directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, has taken the internet by storm. The controversy, involving Vanga, Deepika Padukone, and new leading lady Triptii Dimri, has sparked heated debates about feminism, professionalism, and behind-the-scenes politics in the film industry. Let’s dive into what’s got everyone talking and why the internet is roasting Vanga for his recent comments.
The Backstory: Deepika’s Exit and Triptii’s Big Break
Spirit, a high-octane cop thriller backed by T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures, was initially set to feature Deepika Padukone opposite Telugu superstar Prabhas. The pairing promised to be a blockbuster, especially after their chemistry in Kalki 2898 AD. However, last week, reports surfaced that Deepika had exited the project, with sources citing “unprofessional demands” like a capped 8-hour workday, a hefty ₹20 crore fee, profit-sharing, and reluctance to deliver Telugu dialogues. Neither Deepika nor the filmmakers officially confirmed these claims, leaving fans speculating.
Enter Triptii Dimri, the Animal breakout star, who was announced as Deepika’s replacement on May 24, 2025. Vanga shared the news on X with a simple, “The female lead for my film is now official :-),” while Triptii expressed her excitement on Instagram, calling it a “career-defining moment.” The casting switch was celebrated by many, with veteran filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma praising Vanga’s choice, calling Triptii “the next big thing in Bollywood.” But the excitement was short-lived as a new storm brewed.
The Spark: Vanga’s Cryptic Post
On May 26, 2025, a Pinkvilla report revealed that Spirit would be an A-rated thriller with “bold scenes” between Prabhas and Triptii, who plays a doctor in love with Prabhas’ intense cop character. This revelation seemed to irk Vanga, who took to X with a fiery post that didn’t name anyone but was widely interpreted as a jab at Deepika. He wrote, “When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA 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?”
Vanga’s post accused an unnamed actor of leaking plot details and undermining Triptii, questioning their “feminism” and professionalism. He ended with a Hindi quip: “Aisa karo… Agli baar poori kahani bolna… kyunki mujhe jarra bhi farak nahi padtha” (translation: “Next time, tell the whole story… because I don’t care a bit”). The hashtag #dirtyPRgames and a proverb about an “embarrassed cat scratching the pole” added fuel to the fire. Social media quickly connected the dots, assuming Vanga was targeting Deepika.
The Internet’s Reaction: A Divided Battlefield
The online response was explosive. Deepika’s fans slammed Vanga, dubbing him the “Andhra Tate” and accusing him of misogyny for dragging feminism into the dispute. One X user remarked, “Ego got hurt, so blame feminism for it,” while others criticized Vanga’s history of controversial statements. On the flip side, some netizens sided with Vanga, alleging Deepika’s team leaked the “bold scenes” narrative to save face and shift blame to Triptii. A Reddit user wrote, “Deepika’s PR game has met its match in Vanga. She leaked the bold scenes bit to get Triptii hate, but Vanga won’t have it!”
Amid the mudslinging, Triptii Dimri became an unintended casualty. Fans expressed concern over the unfair criticism she faced, with some pointing out a pattern of “slut-shaming” tied to her roles in Animal and Bad Newz. One X post read, “What’s wrong with doing an A-rated film? Why is Triptii always shamed for bold roles, but male actors like Ranbir Kapoor aren’t?” The debate highlighted deeper issues about gender dynamics in Bollywood and how women are judged for their on-screen choices.
Deepika’s Silence and Philosophy
While the internet raged, Deepika remained silent on the controversy. However, a timely video from a Cartier event in Stockholm on May 27, 2025, gained traction. Speaking to Vogue Arabia, Deepika shared, “I think what keeps me balanced is just being truthful, being authentic… listening to my inner voice and making decisions that give me peace.” Fans saw this as an indirect response, suggesting she stood by her decision to exit Spirit. Sources close to Deepika have dismissed the controversy as “exaggerated,” but her silence has only fueled speculation.
What’s Next for Spirit?
Spirit remains in pre-production, with filming set to begin in October 2025 and a planned pan-India release in nine languages by 2027. The film promises intense action, high-voltage emotions, and a bold romance between Prabhas and Triptii. Reports also hint at South Korean actor Ma Dong Seok joining the cast, adding to the buzz. Meanwhile, Triptii is reportedly earning ₹4-6 crore for the role, a significant jump from her previous paychecks but notably less than Deepika’s alleged demands.
My Take: A Clash of Egos or Misunderstanding?
This feud raises bigger questions about trust, creative control, and how Bollywood handles disagreements. Was Deepika’s exit purely professional, or did creative differences play a role? Did Vanga overreact, or was he justified in calling out a perceived betrayal? And why is Triptii caught in the crossfire? The truth remains murky, but the controversy underscores the intense pressures of high-stakes filmmaking.
What do you think, readers? Is Vanga’s outburst a bold stand against PR games, or did he cross a line by targeting Deepika’s feminism? Should Triptii be dragged into this mess? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!
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