The highly anticipated collaboration between Pan-India star Prabhas and dynamic director Sandeep Reddy Vanga for the film Spirit has encountered an unexpected turn. Recent reports confirm that Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, who was initially slated to play the lead heroine, has reportedly exited the project. This development has sent ripples of speculation throughout the film industry, focusing on the alleged reasons behind her departure and the subsequent search for a new female lead.
According to insider information circulating widely, Deepika Padukone’s exit stems from a series of stringent demands made during contract negotiations. It is reported that the actress sought a substantial remuneration, along with specific conditions such as limiting her working hours to approximately six per day, demanding a large personal staff, and requiring extensive arrangements for travel and five-star accommodation. Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga and the producers, including T-Series, reportedly found these demands fiscally challenging and ultimately opted to cancel her contract.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for his unflinching vision and preference for casting actors based purely on script requirements, initially rose to prominence by introducing new faces in films like Arjun Reddy. While he has successfully collaborated with established stars in blockbusters like Kabir Singh and Animal, the alleged demands for Spirit reportedly exceeded the production’s comfort zone, leading to this unforeseen change in casting.
Despite the recent casting setback, Prabhas remains fully focused on the Spirit project, which is set to portray him in an intense role as a police officer. The film, marking Prabhas’s 25th cinematic venture, is a major undertaking for both the star and the director. Sandeep Reddy Vanga and T-Series are now actively seeking a new heroine to star opposite Prabhas, with an official announcement anticipated soon. The industry keenly awaits who will finally clinch this coveted role.