Mumbai: Mumbai is abuzz with controversy as director Sandeep Reddy Vanga publicly criticized an unnamed actor on social media, widely believed to be Deepika Padukone, for playing “dirty PR games” and “putting down a younger actor.”
The drama stems from Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit, starring Prabhas. Deepika was initially cast in the lead, but she later exited the project, allegedly due to creative differences, demanding high remuneration, and setting strict work-hour conditions.
Her departure paved the way for Animal actress Triptii Dimri to take on the role. Following recent reports about Spirit being an A-rated action film and possible leaks around the film’s plot, Vanga took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a pointed message.
He accused the unnamed actor of breaking the unspoken trust between filmmakers and actors, hinting at a breach of confidentiality and calling out supposed hypocrisy in their public feminist stance.
Though Deepika has not addressed the claims, the timing and tone of Vanga’s post strongly link it to the fallout. Triptii Dimri confirmed her casting on social media and expressed gratitude.
According to industry insiders, she will play a bold doctor who falls in love with Prabhas’s character. Vanga’s post concluded with a Hindi idiom suggesting quiet revenge, fueling an already heated controversy.
