The recent buzz surrounding Deepika Padukone centers on her rumored exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's upcoming film, "Spirit," and the subsequent social media storm that has erupted. While neither Padukone nor Vanga have officially confirmed her initial casting, reports suggest she was slated to star opposite Prabhas in this pan-Indian project. However, news surfaced last week that Padukone had allegedly walked out, triggering a series of events that have captured the attention of Bollywood fans and industry insiders alike.

Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the reasons behind Padukone's departure. Some sources claim that the actress had reservations about the explicit scenes in the film and requested changes to the script, while others suggest that disagreements arose over her remuneration, working hours, and profit-sharing demands. Specifically, there were reports that Padukone asked for ₹20 crore salary and a share of the film's profits. It was also reported that she wanted to limit her shooting days to six hours, a demand that Vanga apparently didn't agree to.

Adding fuel to the fire, Sandeep Reddy Vanga posted a cryptic message on X (formerly Twitter) that many interpreted as a direct jab at Padukone. Without naming her, Vanga alluded to a breach of trust and accused an unnamed actress of playing "dirty PR games," "ousting" his story, and undermining a younger actress. The "younger actress" is assumed to be Triptii Dimri, who has now officially been cast as the female lead in "Spirit."

Vanga's post included a Hindi proverb, "Khundak mein billi khamba noche," which translates to "an angry cat scratches the pole out of spite." This further fueled speculation that Vanga felt betrayed and was retaliating against Padukone for allegedly leaking details about the film's plot and creating a negative narrative around her exit.

In the midst of this controversy, Deepika Padukone has maintained a dignified silence. However, she recently shared her first post on Instagram since the "Spirit" exit reports, featuring a picture of herself. While the post makes no direct reference to the controversy, fans have interpreted it as a subtle message of resilience and composure. The lack of any direct response has been viewed by some as her being an "unbothered queen."

The entire episode has ignited a debate on social media, with opinions divided on who is in the right. Some support Vanga, accusing Padukone of unprofessionalism and demanding unrealistic conditions. Others defend Padukone, arguing that she has the right to negotiate her terms and choose projects that align with her values. Some fans also pointed out Padukone's history of allegedly targeting other actresses.

Adding another layer to the controversy, reports suggest that Vanga has unfollowed Padukone on Instagram, although this has not been officially confirmed. Interestingly, he still follows her husband, Ranveer Singh.

Ultimately, the Deepika Padukone-Sandeep Reddy Vanga controversy surrounding "Spirit" highlights the complexities of the film industry, where creative differences, financial negotiations, and personal dynamics can collide, leading to public spats and career shifts.