There was no press conference, no direct naming but filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga launched a very public and pointed attack on a leading Bollywood star. On May 26, 2025, Vanga took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to vent frustration over what he described as a betrayal of trust and breach of an unspoken agreement.
While he didn’t name the actor, industry insiders confirmed the post was aimed at Deepika Padukone, who recently exited Vanga’s upcoming cop drama Spirit, starring Prabhas.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga Vs Deepika Padukone Feud Explained
In a post, Vanga accused the unnamed actor of undermining a younger co-star and violating an unspoken bond between a filmmaker and actor. He wrote, “When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. 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?”
He added, “As a filmmaker, I put years of hard work behind my craft & for me, filmmaking is everything. You didn't get it. You won't get it. You will never get it. Aisa karo.... Agli baar poori kahani bolna... kyunki mujhe jarra bhi farak nahi padtha. (Let’s do one thing… next time tell the whole story… because I don’t even care a bit) #dirtyPRgames”
When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA(Non Disclosure Agreement) between us. But by doing this, You've 'DISCLOSED' the person that you are....
— Sandeep Reddy Vanga (@imvangasandeep) May 26, 2025
Putting down a Younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for ? As a…
Why Deepika Padukone Walked Out of Spirit
According to several media reports, Deepika Padukone reportedly refused to shoot more than six hours a day. The actor’s team also allegedly asked for contractual changes, seeking extra pay if the shoot extended beyond 100 days.
The insider told the media that producers tried to mediate, but Padukone’s team stood firm. Eventually, Vanga asked her to leave the film.
While some reports labelled her “unprofessional,” others pointed out that Padukone who became a mother to daughter Dua last September was prioritising a work-life balance. She is also the founder of The Live Love Laugh Foundation, which promotes mental health awareness.
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Bold Scenes, Leaked Plot and the Final Straw
Days before Vanga’s outburst, Pinkvilla published a report detailing the alleged plot of Spirit, calling it an A-rated thriller with “bold scenes” involving the lead characters. The report suggested the film might be pushing boundaries, hinting at discomfort between Vanga and Padukone over such scenes.
Many believe this leak prompted Vanga’s angry social media response. Though he didn’t directly accuse Padukone, the timing and tone left little doubt.
Triptii Dimri Steps In as New Lead
On May 24, 2025, Vanga announced on X that Triptii Dimri would replace Padukone as the female lead in Spirit. “The female lead for my film is now official :-)” he wrote.
Dimri, who previously worked with Vanga in Animal, shared her excitement on Instagram, “Still sinking in… So grateful to be trusted with this journey. Thank you @sandeepreddy.vanga ..honoured to be a part of your vision.”
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Deepika Padukone Stays Silent
As of now, Deepika Padukone has neither confirmed nor commented on her exit from Spirit or Vanga’s remarks.
About Spirit
Spirit marks Vanga’s return to Telugu cinema and his first collaboration with superstar Prabhas since Animal. Produced by T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures, the film will feature Prabhas as a fierce police officer. Pre-production is underway, with shooting expected to begin in 2025.
While the truth behind Padukone’s exit remains murky, the controversy has raised questions about professionalism, gender politics, and creative clashes in Bollywood. For now, all eyes are on Spirit and its new lead Triptii Dimri, as the storm around it continues to swirl.
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