The recent casting developments surrounding Sandeep Reddy Vanga's upcoming film "Spirit," starring Prabhas, have ignited a fiery debate in Bollywood. The initial buzz centered on Deepika Padukone potentially joining the project, but those reports were quickly replaced by news of Triptii Dimri stepping into the lead female role. This shift has triggered a series of events, including alleged contract disputes, social media outbursts, and now, commentary on perceived "arrogance" versus "attitude."
Reports suggest that Deepika Padukone's exit stemmed from disagreements over working conditions, with some sources claiming she requested limited shooting hours (no more than six hours a day), a substantial fee, and a share in the film's profits. These demands allegedly led to a stalemate, prompting Vanga to seek another actress. Subsequently, Triptii Dimri, who previously collaborated with Vanga on the controversial but commercially successful "Animal," was announced as the female lead.
Following the announcement, director Sandeep Reddy Vanga took to social media to express his displeasure, seemingly hinting at Deepika Padukone for violating an unsaid NDA and "outing" the film's script. Although Vanga did not explicitly name Padukone, his post implied that she was trying to undermine the project and put down a younger actress.
Amidst this controversy, a section of fans has criticized Deepika Padukone for her alleged "unprofessional demands" and for purportedly leaking information about the film. At the same time, others have come to her defense, suggesting that her requests were reasonable, especially considering her recent transition into motherhood and her desire to balance work and personal life. Some sources close to Padukone claim that she only demanded that she work certain hours to keep in mind her child's timetable.
Adding another layer to the controversy, Triptii Dimri's casting has also been met with mixed reactions. While many have congratulated her on landing the role, some reports claim that Dimri is charging a significantly lower fee than what Padukone had asked for. This has led to comparisons between the two actresses, with some suggesting that Dimri's willingness to work under different conditions reflects a more grounded attitude.
Furthermore, some social media users have accused Vanga of "slut-shaming" Triptii Dimri in his cryptic posts, after reports surfaced that "Spirit" would require bold scenes. This accusation has sparked outrage, with many fans defending Dimri and criticizing Vanga for what they perceive as misogynistic behavior. There are reports that similar situation happened in January when Triptii was supposedly dropped from "Aashiqui 3" for being "too exposed" after her role in "Animal."
Deepika Padukone addressed the controversy indirectly, stating that she focuses on being truthful and authentic, listening to her inner voice, and making decisions that give her peace. Meanwhile, Triptii Dimri has expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work with Sandeep Reddy Vanga again, thanking him for trusting her with the role.
The debate surrounding "Spirit" highlights the complexities of the film industry, where issues of pay parity, working conditions, and creative differences often intersect. It also underscores the power of social media to amplify these issues and shape public perception. While the controversy continues to unfold, one thing is certain: "Spirit" has already become one of the most talked-about films of the year, even before its production has begun.