Too many demands? Inside Deepika Padukone’s shocking exit from Prabhas starrer Spirit

Mumbai: Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has reportedly been dropped from director Sandeep Reddy Vanga's upcoming film Spirit, starring Prabhas. According to multiple reports, the decision was made by the director himself after he was unable to agree to the demands put forward by the actress.

Deepika, who was expected to make her return to films with Spirit after taking a break due to her pregnancy, had reportedly asked for several conditions to be met. These included an eight-hour workday, a share in the film’s profits, high remuneration, and a refusal to speak Telugu for the role.

Sources suggest that if the eight-hour shift was agreed upon, actual shooting time would have been limited to just six hours daily. The team found these terms difficult to accommodate, leading to her removal from the project.

It was also reported that Spirit would have been the highest-paid film of Deepika’s career, with a rumoured fee of Rs 20 crore. However, with talks falling through, the makers are now looking for a replacement.

The film’s shoot, initially planned for late 2024, was postponed to suit Deepika’s schedule. She had earlier declined the role due to date issues, but later agreed after the schedule was adjusted. Despite these efforts, the collaboration has now come to an end.

Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga is reportedly on the lookout for a new lead actress to star opposite Prabhas in the much-anticipated project.