The recent buzz surrounding Deepika Padukone centers on her departure from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's upcoming film, "Spirit," and the ensuing controversy that has unfolded publicly. While neither Padukone nor Vanga have directly addressed the issue with complete transparency, a series of reports and cryptic social media posts have fueled speculation and debate within the industry and among fans.

Reports suggest that Padukone's exit stemmed from a combination of factors, including disagreements over shooting schedules, contract terms, and the film's content. Some sources indicate that Padukone was uncomfortable with the explicit nature of some scenes in "Spirit," which is rumored to be an A-rated action film. It has also been reported that Padukone had requested an 8-hour workday and a remuneration of ₹20 crore, along with a share in the film's profits, which may have contributed to the impasse.

Vanga's response to Padukone's departure has been interpreted by many as critical, although he did not explicitly name the actress. In a social media post, Vanga accused an unnamed actor of disclosing details about the film and undermining his story. He also alluded to the actor "putting down a younger actor," which many believe is a reference to Triptii Dimri, who has since been cast as the female lead in "Spirit."

The situation has ignited a debate about the dynamics between actors and directors, as well as the expectations placed on female actors in the industry. Some have defended Padukone's right to negotiate for fair compensation and working conditions, while others have criticized her for allegedly making "unreasonable demands." The controversy has also raised questions about pay parity in Bollywood, with some arguing that female actors are often held to different standards than their male counterparts when it comes to negotiating fees and other terms.

Padukone's fans have largely rallied behind her, with many expressing the view that she "dodged a bullet" by opting out of "Spirit." Some fans have cited Vanga's past films, which have been criticized for glorifying toxic masculinity and objectifying women, as reasons why Padukone may have been better off disassociating herself from the project.

The casting of Triptii Dimri as the female lead in "Spirit" has further fueled the controversy. While Dimri has been praised for her talent and performances in films like "Animal," some have expressed concern that she is being unfairly compared to Padukone and that her "bold" image is being used to suggest that she is more suited to the role.

As of now, Padukone's team has not issued any official statement regarding the "Spirit" controversy. The future of the film remains uncertain, with production already delayed due to Padukone's maternity leave and Prabhas's prior commitments. The incident has undoubtedly cast a shadow over the project, raising questions about the creative vision and the working environment on set.