'Spirit': Deepika never got full narration from Sandeep Reddy Vanga?
What's the story
Deepika Padukone's exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit has been a hot topic since April 2025. The controversy was reignited recently when producer Pranay Reddy Vanga, Vanga's brother, alleged that Padukone's exit was due to her demand for a profit share. Now, Hindustan Times has reported the other side of the story, revealing why Padukone never considered the film in the first place.
Source's statement
What happened behind the scenes
A source close to the developments told Hindustan Times, "Deepika Padukone has met Sandeep Reddy Vanga all of once in her life. Not to mention, the filmmaker arrived a whole hour late to the meeting!"
"In the meeting, only a one-liner of the film was shared. She didn't receive a full narration of the film. Deepika never commits to a project without receiving a full narration."
"So, Spirit was never a part of Deepika's consideration set to begin with."
Source's statement
Vanga and Padukone will never collaborate: Source
The source further revealed that Padukone has no intention of working with Vanga.
"Sandeep Reddy Vanga is the kind of filmmaker Deepika Padukone would never collaborate with, given his misogynist nature, one that is greatly evident not only in his off-screen persona but in his movies too."
Exit details
Padukone quit 'Spirit' and 'Kalki' sequel last year
Padukone was in talks with Vanga for his Prabhas-starrer Spirit last year, but exited the project in April.
The actor reportedly demanded a fixed eight-hour workday as a new mother, which the production team couldn't meet.
Meanwhile, Kalki 2898 AD makers announced her exit from the sequel via an X post, igniting discussions on professionalism and remuneration in high-budget projects.
Social media
Vanga's cryptic tweet created a stir
After reports suggested Triptii Dimri would replace Padukone, it was alleged that Padukone left due to discomfort with certain intimate scenes.
This led to Vanga posting a cryptic tweet seemingly aimed at Padukone.
"When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith... 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?" he wrote in May 2025.
Replacement
Meanwhile, know more about 'Spirit' and Padukone's upcoming projects
Eventually, Dimri was cast as the female lead opposite Prabhas in Spirit.
The first look of the film was unveiled on New Year's Day 2026. It also stars Vivek Oberoi and is scheduled to hit theaters on March 5, 2027.
Meanwhile, Padukone has two upcoming projects: King with Shah Rukh Khan, releasing in December, and Raaka with Allu Arjun next year.