Deepika Padukone’s departure from director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s much-anticipated film Spirit has led to a controversy and many discussions in the film industry. While early reports surrounding her exit sparked controversy and support in equal measure, new details have now emerged.
According to a report by News18, citing a source close to the production, Padukone reportedly set a series of conditions that ultimately didn’t sit well with the film’s team. Among them, the actor is said to have asked for a remuneration of Rs 25 crore for approximately 35 days of work, in addition to a 10% share of the film’s profits. The source also revealed that she had requested coverage for “extensive entourage expenses” and expressed her reluctance to deliver dialogues in Telugu.
“The actor had reportedly demanded Rs 25 crores for approximately 35 days of shoot, along with a 10% profit share, extensive entourage expenses, and even expressed unwillingness to deliver dialogues in Telugu—something the director felt strongly about. To top it off, confidential plot details from Spirit were allegedly leaked, which raised serious concerns among the producers,” the insider told News18.
One of the creative disagreement was Padukone’s hesitance to perform lines in Telugu.
“Contrary to speculation, her restricted filming schedule of under 8 hours a day was never the primary issue. In filmmaking, working hours are fluid and depend on location, lighting, and various technical factors. You could shoot for 2 hours or 8, depending on the scene. What truly matters is flexibility, collaboration, and respect for the craft. It’s about commitment. Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga believes actors speaking their own lines builds authenticity and emotional connect with the audience,” the source added.
Following the birth of her daughter Dua, Padukone had reportedly communicated a firm boundary – no more than eight hours of work per day during filming, to allow her time with her newborn. While many fans supported her decision, particularly after initial media coverage described her terms as ‘unprofessional,’ the production ultimately chose to move forward without her.
Though neither Padukone nor the film’s team have made any public statements addressing the specifics of her exit, the director took to social media to express his discontent, without taking names, which reportedly seem to have been directed at Deepika Padukone.