The ongoing saga surrounding Sandeep Reddy Vanga's "Spirit," starring Prabhas, has taken a dramatic turn, with the director seemingly lashing out at Deepika Padukone after her exit from the film. Vanga's cryptic social media post, laden with accusations of "dirty PR games," has ignited a firestorm of speculation and debate within the industry and among fans.
The controversy reportedly stems from disagreements between Padukone and Vanga regarding the film's content and Padukone's working conditions. Reports suggest that the actress had requested shorter working hours to accommodate her responsibilities as a new mother, along with a substantial remuneration package. These demands allegedly clashed with Vanga's vision for the film, leading to Padukone's departure.
In a post on X, Vanga accused an unnamed actress, strongly implied to be Padukone, of breaching an "unsaid NDA" by allegedly leaking details about the film's plot and characterizations. He further accused her of undermining Triptii Dimri, the actress who has now replaced her in the lead role. Vanga questioned whether this behavior aligned with the actress's avowed feminism, suggesting a sense of betrayal and disappointment.
Vanga's post has been interpreted as a direct response to what he perceives as a smear campaign against him and his film. He alluded to narratives in the media that portrayed him as imposing unreasonable restrictions on Padukone due to her motherhood. He seems to believe that Padukone's team is intentionally disseminating negative information to tarnish his reputation and the film's prospects.
The director's decision to address the issue publicly, albeit without explicitly naming Padukone, has been met with mixed reactions. Some have applauded his willingness to defend his creative vision and call out what he sees as unethical behavior. Others have criticized him for airing the industry's dirty laundry on social media and potentially damaging Padukone's reputation.
The controversy has also highlighted the power dynamics within the film industry, particularly concerning the treatment of actresses and the pressures they face to balance their careers with personal lives. The incident has sparked broader discussions about the need for greater understanding and flexibility in accommodating the needs of working mothers in the entertainment industry.
Meanwhile, Triptii Dimri has officially joined the cast of "Spirit," stepping into the female lead role opposite Prabhas. Dimri, who previously collaborated with Vanga on the blockbuster "Animal," expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and her excitement about being part of Vanga's vision. Her joining the project has further fueled the fire, with reports suggesting she is being paid significantly less than what was offered to Padukone. As of now, Deepika Padukone has not officially responded to Vanga's accusations. All eyes are on the actress as the public awaits her response to the director's allegations.