Deepika Padukone's exit from 'Spirit' attributed to profit-share demands

Producer Pranay Reddy Vanga has provided new details regarding Deepika Padukone’s departure from the upcoming film ‘Spirit’, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and starring Prabhas. According to the producer, negotiations lasted approximately 18 months, but the collaboration collapsed due to disagreements over remuneration, shooting schedules, and working hours.

Pranay Reddy Vanga specifically alleged that Padukone’s team sought a 10 percent share of the film’s profits in addition to her salary, a demand the makers felt was incompatible with the project’s budget. Furthermore, the producer claimed that confidential details regarding the film’s story and characters were leaked after the production team began exploring other casting options.

While these claims have intensified the controversy, a report from Hindustan Times suggests a different perspective, stating that Padukone met with the director only once and never received a full narration of the script. The report claims the project was never fully under consideration by the actress. Triptii Dimri has since replaced Padukone as the female lead in the production, which is slated for a March 2027 release.

In a separate development, the film’s production team shared a behind-the-scenes photo to wish actor Chiranjeevi a happy birthday, though producers clarified that he will not be part of the film’s cast.