Spirit Movie: Deepika Padukone ‘likes’ post slamming Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s brother over ‘Spirit’ profit-share row | Hindi Movie News
Deepika Padukone ‘likes’ post slamming Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s brother over ‘Spirit’ profit-share row
The controversy around Deepika Padukone‘s exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga‘s ‘Spirit’ has resurfaced over a year later, after the director’s brother, Pranay Vanga, claimed the real reason behind her departure was a demand for a 10% profit share in the film. The remarks have sparked fresh debate online, with a social media post calling out the Vanga brothers going viral and Deepika herself lending her support to it.
Deepika Padukone likes a post calling out Sandeep Reddy Vanga
On Friday, a journalist shared a carousel post on Instagram referencing Pranay Vanga’s recent statement. The caption read, “Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s brother Pranay claims Deepika Padukone asked for 10% profit share of Spirit and I’m just wondering, did we forget male actors have been doing this for years? Why is a woman doing the same NEWS?” The post pointed out the double standard of criticising a woman for making a demand that has long been standard practice for male stars. The first slide read, “Breaking: Deepika Padukone Allegedly Wanted 10% Of Spirit’s Profits. Judging by the meltdown, you’d think she asked for the entire film and Vanga estate. Sounds like we have a full-blown male-ego crisis on our hands. A woman rejected a deal, and misogyny couldn’t handle a woman’s “no.”” Deepika showed her support by liking the post, which had already gathered over 8,000 likes and nearly 2,000 reposts within 12 hours, reflecting strong backing from her fans.
What did Pranay Vanga say?
Deepika Padukone had exited ‘Spirit’ last year, with reports at the time suggesting she was unable to agree to the production’s terms, including her request for an 8-hour workday as a new mother. However, in a recent interview with NTV Telugu, Pranay Reddy Vanga offered a different account, claiming the exit was linked to a 10% profit-share demand. He said, “The reason is the same as what was already mentioned. One was remuneration; the second was timing. Apart from that, there are some other reasons too. Soon after, everything went overboard. See, she can ask for anything. If we are willing to give, we can give. But the economics [budget] should also work out for us. We thought that it was not working. This is why we thought of other options. Once we started looking for other options, they started leaking everything.”
Deepika Padukone’s exit and the drama that followed
Deepika Padukone was originally set to star in ‘Spirit’ alongside Prabhas before news of her exit broke in April last year. Her departure was followed by online debate over workplace hours and remuneration, especially after the makers of ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ also confirmed her exit from that franchise. Reports at the time also suggested discomfort over intimate scenes, prompting a sharp response from Sandeep Reddy Vanga on social media: “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?”Triptii Dimri eventually stepped into the role, with her first look alongside Prabhas unveiled on New Year’s Day 2026. ‘Spirit’, also starring Vivek Oberoi, is slated for release on March 5, 2027. Deepika, meanwhile, has ‘King’ with Shah Rukh Khan and Atlee’s ‘Raaka’ opposite Allu Arjun lined up next.
