Deepika Padukone’s exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit became one of the most talked-about casting developments in Indian cinema. While the actress was initially set to star opposite Prabhas in the highly anticipated action drama, Triptii Dimri eventually stepped in as the female lead. Now, Pranay Reddy Vanga, Sandeep’s younger brother and one of the film’s producers, has offered a fresh explanation for Deepika’s departure.
Pranay Vanga Reveals Script Discussions
Speaking to NTV, Pranay explained that Deepika Padukone had spent more than a year with the script and was initially impressed by both the story and the character written for her. According to Pranay, the actress and Sandeep remained in discussions for a considerable period, with Deepika showing genuine interest in the project. However, complications arose when both parties began negotiating the commercial and practical aspects of the collaboration.
The 10% Profit-Share Demand
Pranay revealed that Deepika’s team reportedly sought a 10% share in the film’s profits in addition to her remuneration. There were also significant differences over the shooting schedule and working hours. Given that Spirit is a large-scale production featuring Prabhas and an extensive filming plan, these disagreements became increasingly difficult to resolve. This ultimately led Sandeep Reddy Vanga to part ways with Deepika Padukone and search for another actress.
Triptii Dimri Steps Into the Role
Following Deepika’s exit, the makers cast Triptii Dimri, who gained recognition for her performance in Animal. Earlier reports had also cited disagreements over remuneration, profit-sharing, and working-hour commitments, while Sandeep's cryptic comments fueled speculation about the circumstances. Importantly, the 10% profit-share claim comes from Pranay’s latest account, while Deepika Padukone herself has not publicly confirmed this version of events. The circumstances surrounding her departure from Spirit continue to generate discussion in the industry.
