The controversy around the upcoming film Spirit is far from over. Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga recently sparked more drama by indirectly taking a jibe at Deepika Padukone over her alleged “dirty PR games.”
The filmmaker’s comments came days after reports surfaced that Deepika was dropped from the project due to disagreements over payment and behavior on set. Instead, Triptii Dimri, who previously worked with Vanga in Animal, replaced her as the female lead.
What Happened Between Sandeep Reddy Vanga and Deepika Padukone?
In a pointed post on social media platform X, Sandeep Reddy Vanga accused Deepika Padukone of violating the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) connected to Spirit. He called out her “dirty PR games” and questioned her version of feminism.
Vanga wrote, “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 further added that Deepika put down a younger actor and dismissed his story, which he said goes against true feminism.
When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA(Non Disclosure Agreement) 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 ? As a…— Sandeep Reddy Vanga (@imvangasandeep) May 26, 2025
The director’s message ended with a sharp remark: “Next time, please tell the whole story. Actually, I don’t care.” He also tagged the post with #dirtyPRgames, making his frustration clear.
The Spirit project has faced several production delays. After Deepika’s exit, the director announced Triptii Dimri as the new female lead on May 24. The film is yet to start shooting. Meanwhile, Vanga plans to work on Animal Park, the sequel to Animal, after wrapping up Spirit.
A source told Bollywood Hungama that Deepika refused to shoot more than six hours daily and wanted extra pay if the shoot extended beyond 100 days. Such demands can complicate schedules and budgets, explaining the friction.
If Bollywood were a soap opera, this Spirit controversy would be the latest episode keeping us hooked. Directors pour years into their craft, but sometimes the business side gets messy.
Deepika’s move, if true, could be seen as protecting her time and value. On the other hand, Vanga’s fiery reply shows the frustration of creative people whose vision gets tangled in contract disputes.
You could say this story is a classic battle of art versus commerce — with PR stunts making the drama even spicier.
