Sandeep Reddy Vanga's upcoming pan-India film Spirit has undergone a significant casting change, with Triptii Dimri stepping in as the female lead opposite Prabhas after Deepika Padukone's exit.
Padukone's departure was reportedly due to demanding a remuneration of Rs 20 crore and profit-sharing, alongside scheduling conflicts. The director publicly addressed the situation, indirectly criticizing Padukone for breaching trust and non-disclosure agreements.
"When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith," Vanga wrote on social media, highlighting the professional breach.
Dimri's role is that of a doctor engaged in a passionate and intense romance with Prabhas' police officer character, promising bold scenes and emotional depth. The film is set to begin shooting in October and aims for a pan-India release across nine languages.
"Sandeep has crafted a narrative filled with high-voltage emotions and passionate moments that will challenge the norms of typical cinematic romance," according to reports.
The film's production is keen to move forward after the controversy, with Dimri's fee marking her highest paycheck yet, signaling confidence in her as the new lead.
Spirit is anticipated to be a high-profile action thriller, blending intense romance with Vanga's signature storytelling style, and is expected to attract audiences nationwide.
This casting shift follows fan backlash against Padukone's initial casting due to Vanga's controversial reputation, adding further context to the film's evolving dynamics.
Overall, Spirit's production is poised to start filming soon, with Dimri and Prabhas at the forefront of a story promising emotional intensity and cinematic boldness.
Sources: 
Triptii Dimri replaces Deepika Padukone as the female lead opposite Prabhas in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's pan-India film Spirit, with filming starting in October. Padukone exited amid pay disputes and scheduling conflicts, while the film promises a bold, emotional romance across nine languages.
