Mani Ratnam supports Deepika Padukone amid ‘Spirit’ controversy

Acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam has come out in support of Bollywood star Deepika Padukone following her much-publicized exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming pan-India film “Spirit,” co-starring Prabhas.

In a recent interview with News18 during promotions for his upcoming film “Thug Life,” releasing on June 5, 2025, Mani Ratnam stood firmly by Deepika’s side, highlighting the importance of work-life balance, especially for working mothers.

Rightful demand!

“I think it is a rightful demand,” Ratnam said. “I’m glad she’s in a position to ask for it. As a filmmaker, you will take that into consideration when you cast. It is not an unreasonable thing to ask. It’s an absolute necessity.”

Mani Ratnam emphasized that such demands reflect a “healthy sign” of progress in the industry, particularly when women assert boundaries that support both career and family responsibilities.

The controversy

The controversy revolves around Deepika’s reported demands, including an eight-hour workday, a R20 crore fee, profit-sharing rights, and hesitance to deliver dialogues in Telugu—terms some insiders criticized as “unprofessional.”

The row escalated after director Sandeep Reddy Vanga posted a cryptic message on X (formerly Twitter), hinting at a breach of trust and a possible script leak—without naming Deepika directly.

“When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA between us. But by doing this, you’ve ‘DISCLOSED’ the person that you are…” he wrote.

Following Deepika’s departure, Triptii Dimri was announced as the new female lead opposite Prabhas.

Several industry voices have rallied behind Deepika. Ajay Devgn and Kajol also expressed support for her structured workday demand.

Deepika, who welcomed her first child in 2024 with actor-husband Ranveer Singh, has yet to comment publicly on the situation.