Deepika Padukone’s 10% Profit Demand Led to Spirit Exit, Claims Producer

Deepika Padukone's exit from the upcoming Prabhas-starrer Spirit was reportedly driven by more than just scheduling differences. Producer Pranay Reddy Vanga has claimed that the actor's remuneration expectations, work timings and a demand for a share of the film's post-release net income contributed to the makers' decision to move on.

In a recent interview with NTV Telugu, Pranay Reddy Vanga said director Sandeep Reddy Vanga had been in discussions with Deepika for more than a year before the casting plans changed.

According to the producer, the discussions eventually reached a point where the financial terms were no longer workable for the production.

Deepika Padukone's 10% Profit Demand

Pranay Reddy Vanga claimed that Deepika Padukone had sought 10% of the film's post-release net income after some of her recent films became successful.

He said remuneration was one of several issues involved, along with scheduling and other demands.

According to Pranay, actors are free to negotiate their terms, but the producers ultimately have to decide whether those demands fit the economics of a project.

The makers then began exploring other casting options, with the final decision to move on from Deepika reportedly taken by director Sandeep Reddy Vanga.

Sandeep Reddy Vanga Was Reportedly Upset Over Leaked Discussions

Pranay also addressed the controversy that followed Deepika's exit from Spirit.

According to him, details of private discussions between the actor and the filmmakers began circulating publicly after the production started considering alternative casting options.

He said this particularly upset Sandeep Reddy Vanga, who reportedly believed that conversations between actors and filmmakers should remain private until the makers officially announce details about a project.

The director had earlier posted a strongly worded message on social media referring to what he described as "dirty PR games."

Although he did not directly name Deepika Padukone, the post was widely linked to the controversy surrounding her reported exit from Spirit.

Triptii Dimri Replaced Deepika in Spirit

Following the casting controversy, Triptii Dimri was announced as the female lead in Spirit.

The film will feature Prabhas in the lead role and marks another major collaboration between Sandeep Reddy Vanga and T-Series following the success of Animal.

The cast also includes Vivek Oberoi and Aishwarya Desai.

When Will Spirit Release?

Spirit is being developed as a multilingual project and is expected to release in eight languages.

The Prabhas-led film is currently scheduled to hit theatres on March 5, 2027.