Deepika Padukone exits Prabhas’s ‘Spirit’ over differences

Actress Deepika Padukone has reportedly exited “Spirit,” the much-anticipated action drama directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and starring Telugu superstar Prabhas. 

According to industry sources, the decision follows a breakdown in negotiations over reported contractual demands that conflicted with the production team’s vision and scheduling constraints.

Remuneration and demands

Sources close to the development suggest that Padukone requested a remuneration of Rs 20 crore—her highest ever—along with a share in the film’s profits. 

Additional conditions included a strict eight-hour workday, effectively limiting daily shoot hours to six, and a reported reluctance to perform dialogues in Telugu, despite the project being designed as a pan-India release. 

These terms were said to be incompatible with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s working style, known for its intensity and long shooting schedules.

Sandeep Reddy Vanga, recognized for his commercially successful and emotionally intense films such as Arjun Reddy, Kabir Singh, and Animal, had initially adjusted the shoot timeline to accommodate Padukone’s maternity leave in 2024. However, despite these efforts, creative and logistical differences ultimately led to her departure from the project.

Many delays and problems for Spirit

“Spirit,” produced by T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures, presents Prabhas in the role of a dynamic police officer at the center of a high-stakes narrative blending action and drama. Padukone’s casting was initially celebrated as a major coup, with reports indicating that the script included a complex, layered female character written specifically with her in mind.

With Padukone no longer part of the film, the producers are actively seeking a replacement. Actresses such as Rashmika Mandanna and Mrunal Thakur are reportedly being considered for the role, though no official confirmation has been made.

The film is scheduled to begin production in second half of 2025, with a theatrical release targeted for 2026. As casting decisions move forward, “Spirit” remains one of the most highly anticipated projects in South Indian cinema, poised to continue Prabhas’s pan-India trajectory and build on Vanga’s track record of compelling, commercially successful storytelling.

The film has seen multiple delays.