Pranay has now said that remuneration, scheduling and other disagreements also contributed to her exit While Deepika’s reported eight-hour workday demand had earlier dominated the discussion. The controversy surrounding Deepika Padukone ‘s exit from Prabhas-starrer Spirit has resurfaced after producer Pranay Reddy Vanga, brother of director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, opened up about the casting change. He has also claimed that details about the film’s story and Deepika’s character were leaked after the makers started exploring other casting options.
However, the two sides eventually couldn’t agree on the terms. He also claimed that the money talks became complicated after Deepika allegedly asked for a share of the film’s profits instead of negotiating only her acting fee.
Pranay said talks with Deepika went on for nearly a year and a half, with Sandeep Reddy Vanga keen to cast her in the film.
She demanded 10 percent from the film’s profit. Pranay clarified that the issue was not just about adding another ₹ 5-6 crore to Deepika’s fee. His comments also bring Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s May 2025 cryptic post back into focus. “When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. Whilst Deepika Padukone’s last movie were Siddharth Anand’s Fighter with Hrithik Roshan and Prabhas’ Kalki 2898 AD, she has signed onto star in Allu Arjun’s Raaka, helmed by Atlee Kumar.
Things discussed internally should not be revealed but she leaked all of them. You won’t get it. She is due to give birth to her second child in September.
One was remuneration, the second was timing. Apart from that, there are some other reasons too. Soon after, everything went overboard. See, she can ask for anything. If we are willing to give, we can give. But the economics (budget) should also work out for us. We thought that it was not working. Pranay also claimed that details about the film and Deepika’s character began surfacing publicly after the makers started considering other actresses for the role. “Once we started looking for other options, they started leaking everything. We discussed the story and character with her. That is why we are disturbed,” Pranay stated. The director had then hinted that an actor had betrayed his trust by sharing details that were meant to stay private. 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 filmmaker, I put years of hard work behind my craft & for me, filmmaking is everything. You didn’t get it. You will never get it. Aisa karo…. Agli baar poori kahani bolna… kyunki mujhe jarra bhi farak nahi padtha. #dirtyPRgames I like this kahawath very much 🙂 खुंदक में बिल्ली खंबा नोचे ! ,” the director had written on X. She has been completing her portions whilst being eight months pregnant. The actor will also be seen in important special role in Shah Rukh Khan’s King this Christmas.
Speaking to NTV Telugu, Pranay said, “The reason is the same as what was already mentioned. He said the makers had to consider the film’s overall budget and felt that the proposed financial terms did not make sense for Spirit.
Deepika had earlier addressed the criticism over her reported eight-hour workday demand. Speaking to Brut India, she questioned why actresses should be judged for setting work-hour boundaries when male stars in the industry have also had similar conditions. “I don’t think what I am asking for is ridiculously unfair. One was remuneration, the second was timing. Apart from that, there are some other reasons too. After careful consideration, We have decided to part ways. Despite the long journey of making the first film, we were unable to find a partnership. And a film like @Kalki2898AD deserves that commitment and much more. We wish her the best with her future works.”
Earlier reporting noted: Not just Spirit, Deepika lost out on another project too: the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. Because of Deepika’s alleged demand of sharing 10 percent of the film’s profit, earlier reporting noted: But now, Sandeep’s brother, Pranay Reddy Vanga has alleged that the step was taken.
I am saying this, if I may say so myself, a top star, so you can only imagine what the working conditions must be like for everyone else, for the crew, for example,” she had said. He told NTV Telugu, “The reason is the same as what was already mentioned.
Vyjayanthi Movies had made the announcement via a statement on X earlier, and wrote, “This is to officially announce that @deepikapadukone will not be a part of the upcoming sequel of #Kalki2898AD.
