The saga surrounding Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit has spiralled into one of Bollywood’s most gripping off-screen dramas, with Deepika Padukone’s exit and Triptii Dimri’s casting igniting a firestorm of accusations, plot leaks, and social media mudslinging. What began as a promising pan-India spectacle starring Prabhas has morphed into a public feud, with Vanga’s cryptic X post accusing an unnamed actor—widely believed to be Deepika—of breaching trust and playing “dirty PR games.” From alleged script leaks to debates over feminism and professionalism, this controversy has it all. Here’s a scene-by-scene breakdown of the Spirit potboiler, exploring the timeline, the drama, and its cultural ripple effects, curated by Chai and Churan!
Act 1: The Grand Announcement (2023–Early May 2025)
The curtain rose in 2023 when Spirit was announced as a high-octane cop action thriller, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga (Animal, Kabir Singh) and starring Telugu superstar Prabhas. The buzz intensified with rumours that Deepika Padukone, fresh off her collaboration with Prabhas in Kalki 2898 AD, would join as the female lead. By May 2, 2025, Pinkvilla confirmed Deepika’s casting, touting her role as “the most well-written female character” in Vanga’s oeuvre, a claim that sparked excitement among fans. The prospect of Deepika, a Bollywood A-lister, pairing with Prabhas under Vanga’s bold direction was hailed as a “pan-India spectacle”.
Social media buzzed with anticipation, with X posts like “Deepika in Spirit is going to be fire!” (@HailPrabhas007). However, whispers of Vanga’s controversial reputation, criticised for perceived misogyny in Animal and Kabir Singh, raised eyebrows among Deepika’s fans, who questioned her alignment with the director.
Act 2: Trouble Behind the Scenes (May 2025)
By mid-May 2025, cracks appeared. Reports surfaced that Deepika had exited Spirit, triggering a volley of conflicting narratives. Sources claimed that Deepika demanded a fee of Rs 20–40 crore, a 6–8 hour workday, and extra pay for shoots exceeding 100 days, citing her new motherhood responsibilities after welcoming her daughter, Dua, with Ranveer Singh in September 2024. Other reports suggested she refused to dub Telugu dialogues or was uncomfortable with “bold, A-rated scenes”. Some labelled her demands “unprofessional,” while others, including Hindustan Times, noted they aligned with her status as a new mother prioritising work-life balance.
X posts fueled the speculation, with @aavishhkar claiming Deepika’s Rs 40 crore fee and strict clauses led to her ouster, while @PanIndiaReview suggested she balked at a kissing scene. Deepika’s fans defended her, arguing her demands were reasonable for a star of her calibre, with one X user stating, “Deepika’s a superstar, not Vanga’s puppet!”. Meanwhile, Vanga’s supporters argued her exit was a missed opportunity, given his track record of delivering blockbusters.
Act 3: Triptii Dimri Enters the Frame (May 24, 2025)
On May 24, 2025, Vanga announced Triptii Dimri as the new female lead via X, posting, “The female lead for my film is now official :-).” Triptii, who collaborated with Vanga in Animal, shared her excitement on Instagram: “Still sinking in… so grateful to be trusted with this journey.” Reports revealed Triptii’s fee was a modest Rs 4 crore, a stark contrast to Deepika’s alleged demands. Sourcesdescribed her role as a “hot doctor” who falls for Prabhas’ intense cop, hinting at “intense romantic moments” and “strong drama.”
Triptii’s casting shifted the narrative. Media outlets, once praising Spirit’s “well-written female lead,” began emphasizing its A-rated action and “bold scenes”, a pivot that raised suspicions of a PR overhaul. X users noted the contrast, with @BheeshmaTalks calling it a “strategic recast.” However, Triptii faced unfair scrutiny, with her “bold” label from Animal being weaponized to contrast her “suitability” against Deepika’s alleged discomfort.
Act 4: The Plot Leak and Vanga’s Outburst (May 26–27, 2025)
The drama escalated whena report was published on May 26, 2025, revealing Spirit as an “A-rated action film” with “bold sequences” and “ample blood,” a departure from its earlier “gritty cop drama” branding. Vanga, incensed by the leak, posted a scathing X message: “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?” He added in Hindi, “Aisa karo… Agli baar poori kahani bolna… kyunki mujhe jarra bhi farak nahi padta,” signing off with “#dirtyPRgames” and the proverb “Khundak mein billi khamba noche” (a jealous cat scratches the pole).
Though Vanga didn’t name Deepika, the timing and context pointed to her, especially after sources leaked details of Triptii’s role as a doctor. Social media erupted, with Vanga’s fans accusing Deepika of leaking the plot to sabotage Spirit, while her supporters slammed Vanga’s “misogynistic” rhetoric. X posts like “Sandeep’s calling out Deepika’s PR games!” (@HailPrabhas007) clashed with “Vanga’s ego can’t handle a woman’s boundaries”. Critics questioned Vanga’s invocation of feminism, arguing it deflected from professional disputes.
Act 5: Deepika’s Subtle Response (May 28, 2025)
Deepika remained silent on Vanga’s accusations but addressed the controversy indirectly at a Cartier event in Stockholm on May 28, 2025. Speaking to Vogue Arabia, she said, “Whenever I am faced with complicated situations, to be able to listen to my inner voice and stand by decisions that give me peace.” In a Harper’s Bazaar interview, she added, “I listen to my gut… shut out the noise… and collaborate with people I know I’ll have a good time with.” Fans interpreted this as a dignified rebuke, with X comments calling her an “unbothered queen,” while skeptics saw it as a “PR move”. One X post joked, “Cartier should’ve invited Vanga!”.
Deepika’s team refuted claims of unprofessionalism, telling Hindustan Times her demands were “in line with her stardom and new mother status.” Reports of her discomfort with Spirit’s bold scenes, present in the original script but initially softened, surfaced, suggesting a mismatch in vision.
Act 6: The Cultural and Industry Fallout
The Spirit controversy exposed deeper fault lines in Bollywood:
- Gender Dynamics: Deepika’s demands for fair pay and work hours were framed as “unprofessional” by some, while male stars’ similar requests often go unquestioned. Her fans argued she was unfairly targeted for prioritizing motherhood and mental health, echoing her advocacy via The Live Love Laugh Foundation.
- Vanga’s Brand: Vanga’s history of courting controversy—accused of glorifying toxic masculinity—intensified scrutiny. Critics on X called his outburst a “PR stunt” to hype Spirit, while supporters praised his “gutsy” stance.
- Triptii’s Plight: Triptii was unfairly dragged into the feud, with her “bold” label overshadowing her talent. The Financial Express noted the industry’s tendency to pigeonhole young actresses, contrasting her with Deepika’s perceived “diva” status.
- PR Wars: The narrative shift from “well-written role” to “A-rated bold film” suggested orchestrated leaks, with both sides accused of manipulating media. X posts like “Deepika’s PR is making her Mother Teresa” (@RagadiYT) highlighted the spin.
Finale: What’s Next for Spirit?
Despite the drama, Spirit remains a hotly anticipated 2027 release, backed by T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures, with a Rs 300 crore budget and a projected Rs 150 crore opening day. Prabhas as a fierce cop and Triptii as a doctor in a “deep, bold love story” promise Vanga’s signature intensity. Filming, delayed by Prabhas’ injury, is set for June 2025. Rumors of South Korean actor Don Lee joining the cast add intrigue.
The feud, however, has left a bitter aftertaste. The Financial Express laments the loss of “dignity in disagreement,” noting that a quiet parting could’ve sufficed. Deepika’s poised silence and Vanga’s fiery outburst reflect clashing approaches to conflict, with fans divided. X posts range from “Deepika dodged a bullet” (@DESIblitz) to “Vanga’s vision will triumph” (@Movies4u_Officl).
Why It Matters
The Spirit saga isn’t just tabloid fodder—it’s a mirror to Bollywood’s evolving dynamics. It highlights the tension between artistic control and star power, the gendered scrutiny of professional boundaries, and the media’s role in amplifying disputes. Deepika’s exit, whether due to creative differences, bold scenes, or fair pay demands, underscores her agency, while Vanga’s public jabs reveal his uncompromising stance. Triptii, caught in the crossfire, deserves better than reductive labels. As Spirit moves forward, the real loss is the industry’s inability to resolve conflicts with grace.
What’s your take—did Deepika leak the plot, or is Vanga stirring drama? Saree, lehenga, or gown for Alia’s Gucci look, and how does it compare to Deepika’s Spirit saga? Drop your thoughts in the comments about your take on this entire controversy!