Bollywood is no stranger to controversies, but the recent public fallout between Deepika Padukone and Sandeep Reddy Vanga has taken industry drama to a whole new level.
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A Storm in Bollywood: Drama Unfolds Before Spirit Even Begins
Bollywood is no stranger to controversies, but the recent public fallout between Deepika Padukone and Sandeep Reddy Vanga has taken industry drama to a whole new level. Their collaboration on the upcoming pan-India film Spirit, starring Prabhas, was considered one of the most ambitious projects of 2025 — until it all unraveled.
In a matter of days, Deepika’s quiet exit turned into a media firestorm, especially after Sandeep Reddy Vanga launched a scathing attack on what he called “dirty PR games.”
This article takes you deep into the unfolding controversy, the power struggle behind the scenes, and what this means for the film — and Bollywood itself.
The Trigger: Why Did Deepika Padukone Quit Spirit?
Sources close to Deepika claim she opted out of Spirit due to concerns over the film’s violent and intense content — a hallmark of Vanga’s storytelling style. Having established a career defined by elegant, layered performances (Piku, Padmaavat, Chhapaak), Deepika reportedly felt the role in Spirit was too bold and didn’t align with her current creative direction.
“She’s entering a new phase in life and work. She wants her roles to reflect growth, maturity, and emotional depth,” said a close associate of the actress.
This exit wasn’t just about one script — it was about Deepika making a larger statement about the kind of cinema she wants to be associated with post-motherhood.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga Breaks His Silence — And It’s Explosive
Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for his no-holds-barred storytelling in films like Kabir Singh and Animal, responded to Deepika’s exit with a public outburst on social media.
In a sharp Instagram story, he wrote:
“For 20 years, I’ve stayed quiet. But some actors and their teams are playing dirty PR games. I won’t tolerate planted stories anymore.”
He stopped short of naming Deepika, but the timing and context made it clear. He accused the actress’s camp of:
- Breaking a non-disclosure agreement (NDA)
- Manipulating media narratives by leaking false stories
- Being unprofessional and trying to “damage the film’s reputation”
His comments shocked many — especially as such direct criticism of A-list actors is rare in Bollywood.
The Replacement: Triptii Dimri Joins Spirit
In a quick pivot, the production team announced Triptii Dimri as Deepika’s replacement. Best known for her roles in Bulbbul, Qala, and Animal, Dimri is considered one of the most promising young talents in Indian cinema.
Here’s what we know:
- She reportedly signed the film for ₹4 crore, far less than Deepika’s alleged ₹20 crore.
- Industry insiders see her casting as a bold move to introduce fresh chemistry with Prabhas.
- Many fans believe she might bring rawness and edge to the role — aligning more closely with Vanga’s vision.
“This is a defining moment for Triptii. She’s stepping into big shoes — but with big opportunity,” said a trade analyst.
Deepika’s New Chapter: Career, Motherhood, and Clarity
Deepika Padukone’s exit can’t be seen in isolation. Just months ago, she and Ranveer Singh welcomed their first child, a daughter named Dua. Since then, Deepika has been more selective with projects, prioritizing films with depth and emotional resonance.
In her recent interviews, she said:
“I want to do stories that make me feel something. I don’t want to be a prop. I’ve done that already.”
This mindset has sparked admiration among fans — but also criticism, especially after Vanga’s remarks.
Public Reaction: Fans, Memes, and Divided Opinions
The internet is having a field day. The hashtags #DeepikaVsVanga, #SpiritMovie, and #TriptiiDimri are trending. Here’s a breakdown:
Team Deepika:
- Applaud her for standing up for herself
- Praise her choice to prioritize motherhood and mental wellness
- Call out “toxic masculinity” in some of Vanga’s past films
Team Vanga:
- Believe Deepika was unprofessional to exit so late
- Accuse her team of media manipulation
- Celebrate Triptii’s casting as a fresh start
Memes & Reels:
- Social media has exploded with memes comparing Kabir Singh and Padmaavat.
- Edits of Vanga’s Instagram story and Deepika’s red carpet walks are going viral.
Industry Reacts: Who’s Saying What?
Here’s what some industry veterans had to say:
Karan Johar:
“In high-stakes cinema, transparency and timing are everything.”
Kangana Ranaut (unsurprisingly):
“Good riddance. We need real actresses, not fake feminists.”
Vidya Balan:
“A woman choosing her space is not unprofessional — it’s powerful.”
What’s Next for Spirit?
Despite the drama, Spirit remains one of the most anticipated releases of 2025. Here’s what we know about the film:
- Genre: Action-packed psychological drama
- Language: Multilingual (Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam)
- Lead: Prabhas (returning to a grounded, gritty role)
- Director: Sandeep Reddy Vanga (post-Animal success)
Can it succeed without Deepika?
Yes — but only if the Vanga-Prabhas-Dimri trio can generate strong on-screen chemistry and rise above the media storm.
Sources – Times of India: Reports on Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s criticism of an unnamed actor, widely believed to be Deepika Padukone, for engaging in “dirty PR games” following her departure from Spirit.
🔗 Read the article
NDTV: Highlights Vanga’s social media post where he indirectly addressed the controversy, accusing the actress of violating an unspoken NDA and questioning her professionalism.
🔗 Read the article
Read More – NexGL
