Deepika's Exit: Pay Dispute Sparks Controversy

Controversy surrounding Deepika Padukone's departure from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's upcoming film 'Spirit' has been reignited. The film's producer, Pranay Reddy Vanga, recently alleged that significant disagreements over remuneration and scheduling led to the casting change. He stated that Padukone's successful box office run prompted her to negotiate for higher pay and specific terms, including a 10 percent profit share from the film.

Pranay Reddy Vanga further claimed that the team had engaged with Padukone for over a year and a half regarding the project. He also alleged that details from their internal discussions were subsequently leaked. While the makers were reportedly open to an additional payment of Rs 5-6 crore, the overall financial and contractual aspects of the project ultimately led to the fallout. 'Spirit,' featuring Prabhas, is slated for release in March 2027.