Deepika Padukone Exits 'Spirit': Triptii Dimri Replaces Her in Prabhas-Sandeep Reddy Vanga Film

What started as one of the most anticipated collaborations in Telugu cinema has now turned into a heated controversy. Deepika Padukone, who was set to play the female lead in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's next big venture, Spirit, has officially stepped away from the project. In a surprising move, Triptii Dimri has stepped into the role opposite superstar Prabhas, sparking mixed reactions across social media.

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Why Did Deepika Padukone Leave Spirit?

Deepika's involvement in Spirit was significant as it marked her second Telugu pan-India film after Kalki 2898 AD, also opposite Prabhas. Reports emerged last week claiming that Deepika had exited the film due to disagreements around her shooting schedule and contract terms.

A source told Bollywood Hungama that the actor insisted on working a maximum of six hours a day and demanded additional pay if the shooting extended beyond 100 days. These conditions allegedly led director Sandeep Reddy Vanga to reconsider her casting. There were also murmurs that Deepika refused to dub in Telugu, adding fuel to the controversy.

However, insiders close to the actress stated that her requests were "reasonable, especially given her new role as a mother." Deepika has not commented publicly on the matter.

Triptii Dimri Confirmed as the New Lead

On Saturday, Sandeep Reddy Vanga confirmed the new casting via X (formerly Twitter), writing, “The female lead for my film is now official :-).”

Triptii Dimri, fresh off her acclaimed role in Animal, responded on Instagram, “Still sinking in… So grateful to be trusted with this journey. Thank you @sandeepreddy.vanga ..honoured to be a part of your vision.”

This marks her second collaboration with Vanga and her first-ever on-screen pairing with Prabhas.

Plot Leak and Vanga’s Reaction

Soon after Triptii's casting was confirmed, a report by Pinkvilla leaked the basic plot of Spirit, calling it an A-rated thriller with Prabhas playing an intense cop. The report also hinted at "bold scenes" between the leads, implying they could be too risqué.

Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga reacted furiously on X, hinting that someone from the earlier team might have leaked the plot. Without naming Deepika, he tweeted:

“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…. Putting down a younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for?”

The post set social media ablaze, with users quickly inferring that the target was Deepika Padukone.

Fans Are Divided

The fallout has left the internet divided. Some fans accused Deepika of being unprofessional and leaking sensitive content. Others defended her, stating that the original reports seemed biased and possibly exaggerated.

Meanwhile, many are rallying behind Triptii Dimri, praising her as a talented and deserving replacement who impressed in her last collaboration with Vanga.

About Spirit

Produced by T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures, Spirit promises to be a gritty, pan-India action thriller. The film is currently in pre-production and is slated to begin filming in 2025. With Prabhas playing a fierce and emotionally complex police officer, and Triptii now confirmed as the female lead, Spirit remains one of the most anticipated films in Indian cinema.