Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s much-anticipated film Spirit, starring Prabhas, has been making headlines once again—but this time, not for reasons fans were hoping.
Earlier buzz surrounding Deepika Padukone’s possible collaboration with the Animal director had fans excited, but fresh reports indicate that she is no longer attached to the project. According to multiple Telugu media outlets, Deepika’s exit from Spirit is said to stem from disagreements over work expectations and remuneration.
These reports claim that Deepika allegedly requested an 8-hour workday, which, factoring in breaks and set logistics, reportedly allowed for only about 6 hours of actual shoot time. Tensions reportedly escalated when she allegedly demanded a hefty fee along with a share in the film’s profits. Adding to the complications, insiders claim she declined to deliver her lines in Telugu. These alleged conditions reportedly pushed her fee to a staggering Rs 20 crore, which would have been her highest payout to date.
Amid the swirling speculation, reports have surfaced suggesting that Sandeep Reddy Vanga is now considering Rukmini Vasanth for the female lead role. Known for her breakout performance in Sapta Sagaradaache Ello, Rukmini is reportedly in discussions with the filmmakers. The team has yet to release an official statement regarding her casting.
While fans wait for confirmation, the reshuffle in the casting has certainly added intrigue to Spirit’s pre-production phase. Whether Rukmini Vasanth ultimately steps into the role or not, the evolving dynamics behind this high-profile project continue to captivate the industry and fans alike.