The recent buzz surrounding Sandeep Reddy Vanga's upcoming film, "Spirit," starring Prabhas, has taken an interesting turn with reports about Deepika Padukone's potential involvement and subsequent departure from the project. Initially, it was reported that Deepika was in talks to play the lead opposite Prabhas, marking their second collaboration after the highly anticipated sci-fi epic "Kalki 2898 AD." News outlets suggested that Deepika was poised to receive a substantial paycheck, potentially around ₹20 crore, for her role in "Spirit." This figure would have placed her among the highest-paid female actors in the Indian film industry, exceeding the remuneration of some of her male counterparts like Ranveer Singh.
However, recent reports indicate that Deepika is no longer part of "Spirit" due to disagreements over her remuneration and working conditions. Sources claim that she demanded ₹25 crore along with a 10% profit share from the film's earnings. In addition to the financial demands, it was reported that Padukone requested an eight-hour workday and revisions to certain intimate scenes. These requests apparently did not align with Vanga's vision or budget, leading to a parting of ways.
Following Deepika's exit, Triptii Dimri, known for her role in Vanga's previous film "Animal," has reportedly been cast as the female lead in "Spirit." While Dimri's salary is significantly lower than what Padukone allegedly demanded, her inclusion adds another layer of anticipation to the project, marking her second collaboration with Sandeep Reddy Vanga.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga's "Spirit" is planned as a pan-world film to be released in multiple languages. Prabhas will play a strong and serious police officer. The film's plot is said to revolve around the intense love story between a doctor and a cop amidst challenging circumstances.
The timeline for "Spirit" has seen some adjustments. While initial plans aimed for a late 2024 production start and a 2025 release, Vanga has since confirmed that filming is now expected to commence in October 2025, with the film targeting a release in the first half of 2027. After "Spirit", Vanga is slated to commence work on "Animal Park" starring Ranbir Kapoor, aiming for a 2028 release.
