By Anil Merani: The conflict between Deepika Padukone and Animal director Sandeep Reddy Vangawhich, which originated from her exit from his upcoming film Spirit, also starring Prabhas, has escalated into a public dispute fueled by creative differences, professional demands, and allegations of misconduct. Here’s a more precise breakdown of the issues that have strained their relationship:
Deepika’s Exit from Spirit
Deepika was initially signed to play the female lead opposite Prabhas in Spirit, a high-octane action drama directed by Vanga. Reports indicate that her departure from the project was due to disagreements over several issues, including her remuneration, working hours, and discomfort with the film’s bold, A-rated content.
Sources claim that Deepika demanded a ₹20 crore fee, a share of the film’s profits, a strict 8-hour workday, and additional payment for any shoot day exceeding 100 days. These conditions were reportedly deemed “unprofessional” by Vanga, leading to her being replaced by Triptii Dimri, who accepted a ₹4 crore fee.
Alleged Creative Differences
Media reports suggest that Deepika had reservations about the script’s explicit scenes and proposed changes to tone down the content. This clashed with Vanga’s vision for Spirit as a bold, A-rated Telugu entertainer featuring intense romantic and violent sequences.
Deepika reportedly refused to deliver Telugu dialogues, which became a significant point of contention, as the film is a pan-India project rooted in Telugu cinema.
Vanga’s Public Reaction
On May 26, 2025, Vanga posted a cryptic message on X, accusing an unnamed actor—widely believed to be Deepika—of breaching an “unsaid NDA” by leaking details of Spirit’s story to the media. He criticized the actor for “putting down a younger actor” (likely referring to Triptii Dimri) and questioned their understanding of feminism, stating, “You didn’t get it. You won’t get it. You will never get it.” He also used the hashtag #dirtyPRgames, suggesting that Deepika’s team orchestrated a smear campaign against him and the film.
Vanga’s post followed a Pinkvilla report detailing the bold content of Spirit, which some speculate was leaked by Deepika’s team to justify her exit by citing discomfort with the script.
Public and Fan Reactions
The controversy has polarized social media. Some netizens praised Vanga for standing up to what they perceive as Deepika’s “unreasonable” demands, with one post stating, “Gutsy man” for calling her out. In contrast, others accused Vanga of misogyny, arguing that he targeted Deepika for asserting professional boundaries as a new mother balancing work and family life.
Deepika’s fans defended her, claiming she “dodged a bullet” by exiting Spirit. They cited Vanga’s reputation for controversial, hyper-masculine narratives in films like Animal and Kabir Singh. They argued her demands were reasonable, given her stardom and recent motherhood.
Critics also pointed out perceived double standards, noting that male actors like Prabhas, who reportedly earns ₹100 crore per film, face less scrutiny for high fees compared to Deepika. This observation highlights the gender pay gap in the industry and the differing standards applied to male and female actors regarding their fees and demands.
Additional Context
The shoot for Spirit was initially delayed due to Deepika’s pregnancy and Prabhas’ injury. Vanga revised the timeline to accommodate her, which she reportedly agreed to before the fallout.
Reports of Vanga unfollowing Deepika on social media and his announcement of Triptii Dimri as the new lead further fueled speculation about a personal and professional rift.
Deepika has remained silent on the matter, and her team has not officially responded to Vanga’s allegations, leaving the narrative one-sided in the public domain.
Industry Perspectives
Veteran filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma praised Vanga’s decision to cast Triptii Dimri, calling her “the next big thing in Bollywood,” which some perceive as an indirect jab at Deepika.
This controversy has sparked broader discussions about gender dynamics in Bollywood. Deepika’s supporters highlight the criticism female actors often face for asserting their worth, while Vanga’s defenders argue that he has the right to choose actors who align with his vision.
Conclusion
In summary, Deepika Padukone’s strained relationship with Sandeep Reddy Vanga revolves around her exit from Spirit due to disputes over pay, working conditions, and script content. This is compounded by Vanga’s public accusations of her leaking story details and undermining Triptii Dimri. The lack of an official statement from Deepika leaves room for speculation, but the public feud has underscored tensions surrounding professional boundaries, creative control, and gender dynamics in the industry.
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