The highly anticipated film Spirit, starring Prabhas and directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, has been embroiled in controversy after Deepika Padukone's exit from the project. The film was in the pre-production phase when Deepika reportedly opted out due to creative differences. The team is now looking for alternative options for the lead actress role. However, the exit has sparked a heated debate online, with multiple versions of the story emerging.
The controversy has divided the audience into two sections, with some supporting Deepika and others backing Sandeep Vanga. One version suggests that Deepika demanded huge remuneration and had differences with Vanga regarding working hours, leading to her exit. On the other hand, Deepika's fans argue that she had valid reasons for opting out, given her recent motherhood and the need to prioritize her newborn's care. Another theory circulating online is that Deepika prioritized other projects, including Shah Rukh Khan's King and Allu Arjun's film with Atlee, over Spirit.
The multiple narratives and viewpoints surrounding Deepika's exit have gone viral online, sparking unnecessary controversy around the film. Netizens have taken to social media to share their opinions, with some labeling Deepika as unprofessional and others defending her decision. The Spirit team has also been criticized for handling the situation poorly, with many suggesting that they could have dealt with the issue in a more discreet manner. As the film industry watches closely, the controversy surrounding Spirit is likely to continue until more information is revealed.
The controversy highlights the challenges of working in the film industry, where creative differences and personal priorities can impact project decisions. As the Spirit team moves forward, they will need to navigate the fallout from Deepika's exit and find a suitable replacement to move the project forward. They also need to avoid further complications from Bollywood media as they would surely back Deepika's version. Earlier, Sandeep Vanga replaced Parineeti Chopra with Rashmika Mandanna in Animal. But, that transition happened smoothly.