Triptii Dimri Replaces Deepika Padukone In 'Spirit' Amid Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Outburst
Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for 'Animal' and 'Kabir Singh', was making a return to Telugu cinema, this time teaming up with superstar Prabhas.
The film, titled 'Spirit', originally had Deepika Padukone as the female lead, which only heightened the anticipation due to the star-studded ensemble. However, last week saw reports suggesting that Deepika had exited the project.
While anonymous sources alleged that the actress made 'unprofessional' demands that led to her removal, many fans rallied in her defence.
Now, with Triptii Dimri announced as Deepika's replacement, a fresh report-along with Vanga's furious reaction-has reignited the controversy.
Deepika's Ouster from 'Spirit'
Deepika was confirmed earlier this year to star opposite Prabhas in 'Spirit', marking her second Telugu-language, pan-India project after 'Kalki 2898 AD', which also featured Prabhas.
However, reports last week indicated she had withdrawn from the film. According to Bollywood Hungama, a source claimed, "Sandeep Reddy Vanga got the shock of his life when Deepika Padukone refused to shoot for more than six hours a day for Spirit. That's not all-the actress, via her agency, also began to demand amendments to the contract. Their main contention was simple: if the shoot extended beyond 100 days, Deepika would need to be paid extra for every single day beyond the agreed schedule."
Allegations and Responses
Following this, headlines about Deepika's so-called 'unprofessional' behaviour began to circulate.
Some reports, without named sources, also claimed she refused to dub her lines in Telugu, allegedly the final straw.
While Deepika has not made any public comment, sources close to the actress insist the coverage is exaggerated.
Hindustan Times reported that her requests were "in line with her stardom and status of a new mother."
They added she was trying to strike a balance between her professional obligations and caring for her daughter, Dua.
Enter Triptii Dimri
On Saturday, Sandeep Reddy Vanga and production house T-Series officially confirmed that Triptii Dimri would be taking on the female lead role in Spirit. Vanga announced the casting on X, writing: "The female lead for my film is now official :-)."
Triptii echoed his announcement on Instagram, saying, "Still sinking in.... So grateful to be trusted with this journey. Thank you @sandeepreddy.vanga ..honoured to be a part of your vision." This film marks her second collaboration with the director, following her breakout role in Animal.
'Leaked' Plot and Vanga's Outrage
On Monday, Pinkvilla published a report revealing 'Spirit's' basic storyline, describing the film as an A-rated thriller featuring Prabhas as a police officer.
It also mentioned "bold scenes" between the leads, suggesting the intimacy was "pushing things too far" within the script.
Later that day, Vanga took to X to express his outrage at what he saw as a betrayal-seemingly hinting that Deepika had leaked the information.
Although he did not directly name her, the filmmaker posted: "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?"
His post appeared to criticise not only the leak but also the implication that Triptii's scenes were overly provocative.
Public Reaction
Although Vanga refrained from naming anyone, online speculation quickly pointed fingers at Deepika. Social media remains polarised-some criticise the actress for allegedly leaking the story and discrediting Triptii, arguing such behaviour is unworthy of someone of Deepika's stature.
Others, however, have condemned Vanga and the Spirit team for the earlier negative reports portraying Deepika as unprofessional.
About 'Spirit'
'Spirit' will be the first on-screen collaboration between Prabhas and Triptii Dimri, and Triptii's second project with director Vanga and producers Bhushan Kumar and Pranay Reddy Vanga, following the success of 'Animal'.
Backed by T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures, the film features Prabhas in the role of a fiery and intense police officer. The project is currently in pre-production and expected to begin filming in 2025.
Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Sign in with Google