A significant controversy is brewing in Bollywood surrounding Sandeep Reddy Vanga's upcoming film, 'Spirit,' set to star Prabhas. The situation escalated after Deepika Padukone reportedly exited the project, with Triptii Dimri, who gained prominence after Vanga's 'Animal,' stepping in as the new female lead. This change has been accompanied by accusations and alleged smear campaigns, drawing widespread attention.

Sandeep Reddy Vanga took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his dismay, without naming anyone directly, though many believe his comments were aimed at Deepika Padukone. 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 ? 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. #dirtyPRgames". Vanga suggested a breach of trust and accused the individual of engaging in "dirty PR games" to undermine a younger co-star.

Reports suggest Deepika Padukone's departure stemmed from professional demands. Sources indicated Vanga was taken aback when Padukone allegedly refused to shoot for more than six hours a day. Furthermore, it was claimed her agency sought to amend the contract, demanding extra payment for any shooting days extending beyond an initial 100-day commitment.

Following Padukone's exit, Triptii Dimri was officially announced as the lead opposite Prabhas. In 'Spirit,' Dimri is slated to play the role of a "hot doctor" who falls in love with Prabhas's character, a cop. Vanga reportedly aims to craft an "intense romantic" and "sizzling and bold romance," breaking conventional norms. This marks a continued collaboration between Vanga and Dimri, with Vanga considering her his "blue-eyed girl" following 'Animal,' and plans for her involvement in 'Animal Park' as well.

Alongside Triptii Dimri's casting, allegations of a smear campaign against her have surfaced. Whispers emerged, particularly after her rise to fame with 'Animal,' labeling her as "too bold," "overhyped," or a misfit. Similar criticisms were reportedly faced when she was allegedly dropped from 'Aashiqui 3,' with claims that her intimate scenes in 'Animal' made her "too exposed" for a traditional romantic role. This situation has drawn comparisons to the different standards often applied to male and female actors in Bollywood regarding on-screen boldness.

The controversy has sparked considerable discussion online, with many Reddit users reportedly siding with Vanga and criticizing what they perceive as unethical PR tactics from Padukone's side. Comments included accusations that Padukone's team leaked information about bold scenes to generate negative sentiment towards Triptii.

'Spirit' is described as a global action thriller and is scheduled to begin production in October. The film is planned for release in nine different languages. While Prabhas and Triptii Dimri are set for the lead roles, the makers are reportedly in the process of recasting the negative leads after a potential deal with Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor did not materialize.