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Did Sandeep Vanga Take a Dig at Deepika Padukone Following Her Exit From Spirit?
Updated on: 27 May, 2025 11:08 AM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Deepika Padukone and Sandeep Reddy Vanga
The Indian film industry is buzzing as filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga recently unleashed a cryptic tirade on social media, seemingly targeting a prominent actor. This comes hot on the heels of speculation surrounding Deepika Padukone`s departure from Vanga`s highly anticipated film, `Spirit`, starring Prabhas. The director`s strong words have ignited a firestorm, with many believing his comments are aimed directly at Padukone.
"When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) between us. But by doing this, You`ve `DISCLOSED` the person that you are.... Putting down a Younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for? (sic)," Vanga wrote. He continued, "As a filmmaker, I put years of hard work behind my craft & for me, filmmaking is everything. You didn`t get it. You won`t get it. You will never get it (sic)."
The `Animal` director concluded his post by stating he was unfazed by the alleged story leak, adding, "Aisa karo...Agli baar poori kahani bolna...kyunki mujhe jarra bhi farak nahi padtha (You know what? Go ahead and reveal the entire story the next time. I hardly care).. #dirtyPRgames I like this kahawath very much - Khundak mein billi khamba niche (An embarrassed cat scratches the pole) (sic)."
Also Read: Kiran Rao Wants To Watch Animal, Appreciates Sandeep Reddy Vanga`s Craft
Neither Padukone nor the filmmakers have officially commented on these casting rumours or the alleged exit. Instead, on May 24, Vanga officially announced that Triptii Dimri, who previously worked with him on `Animal`, had been roped in as the female lead opposite Prabhas in the upcoming cop story.
Following Vanga`s post, fans of Deepika Padukone swiftly came to her defence, criticising the director for his remarks and asserting that Padukone has no need for "dirty PR games". Many social media users voiced their support for the actress, with one stating, "Deepika doesn’t need to play in the mud to stay clean. But thanks for confirming who’s actually doing the PR stunts here."
`Spirit`, touted as Vanga`s next major project after the blockbuster `Animal`, reportedly has a budget of Rs 300 crore, with Vanga anticipating a Rs 150 crore opening day. While production is yet to commence amidst some delay reports, and the full cast and crew remain unannounced, the controversy surrounding its casting continues to build anticipation. South Korean actor Don Lee is also rumoured to be part of the film.
Vanga`s Fiery Accusations
On Monday, Sandeep Reddy Vanga took to X (formerly Twitter) with a strongly worded post, slamming what he termed the "dirty PR games" of an unnamed actor. Without explicitly naming anyone, Vanga accused the actor of breaching an unspoken Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) by "outing his story" and "putting down a younger actor". He further questioned the actor`s integrity and feminist stance."When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) between us. But by doing this, You`ve `DISCLOSED` the person that you are.... Putting down a Younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for? (sic)," Vanga wrote. He continued, "As a filmmaker, I put years of hard work behind my craft & for me, filmmaking is everything. You didn`t get it. You won`t get it. You will never get it (sic)."
The `Animal` director concluded his post by stating he was unfazed by the alleged story leak, adding, "Aisa karo...Agli baar poori kahani bolna...kyunki mujhe jarra bhi farak nahi padtha (You know what? Go ahead and reveal the entire story the next time. I hardly care).. #dirtyPRgames I like this kahawath very much - Khundak mein billi khamba niche (An embarrassed cat scratches the pole) (sic)."
Also Read: Kiran Rao Wants To Watch Animal, Appreciates Sandeep Reddy Vanga`s Craft
The `Spirit` Casting Saga
Vanga`s outburst followed days of rumours suggesting Deepika Padukone had exited Spirit due to creative differences. Reports initially claimed Padukone was set to receive the "fattest pay cheque" for the female lead. However, subsequent reports cited disagreements over work timings, remuneration, profit-sharing, and even her alleged refusal to shoot for more than six hours a day as reasons for her departure. Some sources mentioned a demand to amend her contract for extra pay if the shoot extended beyond 100 days.Neither Padukone nor the filmmakers have officially commented on these casting rumours or the alleged exit. Instead, on May 24, Vanga officially announced that Triptii Dimri, who previously worked with him on `Animal`, had been roped in as the female lead opposite Prabhas in the upcoming cop story.
Following Vanga`s post, fans of Deepika Padukone swiftly came to her defence, criticising the director for his remarks and asserting that Padukone has no need for "dirty PR games". Many social media users voiced their support for the actress, with one stating, "Deepika doesn’t need to play in the mud to stay clean. But thanks for confirming who’s actually doing the PR stunts here."
`Spirit`, touted as Vanga`s next major project after the blockbuster `Animal`, reportedly has a budget of Rs 300 crore, with Vanga anticipating a Rs 150 crore opening day. While production is yet to commence amidst some delay reports, and the full cast and crew remain unannounced, the controversy surrounding its casting continues to build anticipation. South Korean actor Don Lee is also rumoured to be part of the film.
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