Our Bureau
Mumbai
Actress Deepika Padukone’s exit from Prabhas-starrer Spirit has resurfaced as a major talking point after producer Pranay Reddy Vanga, brother of director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, offered fresh details about the casting change. He claimed that differences over remuneration, scheduling and other terms led the makers to look for alternatives.
According to Pranay Reddy Vanga, Padukone sought a 10% share of the film’s profits in addition to discussions over her remuneration. He said the makers assessed the demand against the film’s budget and concluded that the economics did not work for them. He added that the actress had been in discussions for the project for around a year and a half and that the decision to move on was ultimately taken by the director.
The producer’s latest comments add to earlier reports surrounding Padukone’s departure. In 2025, reports citing sources close to the production claimed that she had sought ₹25 crore for approximately 35 days of shooting, along with a 10% profit share and extensive entourage expenses. Reports also alleged differences over Telugu dialogue delivery and working hours.
Pranay, however, said remuneration and timing were among the principal concerns, while suggesting that other issues also contributed to the breakdown in negotiations. He claimed that after the makers began exploring other options, details surrounding the dispute were leaked.
Padukone was subsequently replaced by Triptii Dimri in the project. The casting change had earlier triggered debate over working conditions, remuneration and expectations from actors in large-scale productions.