The Spirit controversy involving Deepika Padukone and filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga has resurfaced in 2026, with fresh claims offering a different account of the actress’ association with the project. Deepika had reportedly exited the film in 2025 after seeking fixed working hours following motherhood. When the makers of Spirit were reportedly unable to accommodate the requirement, the actress was said to have walked away from the project.
However, the controversy has resurfaced after Vanga’s brother, Pranay Reddy Vanga, recently alleged that Deepika had demanded 10% of the profits from Spirit in addition to her other requirements. Deepika has not publicly responded to the allegation so far. Now, a new report has claimed that Deepika may not have seriously considered Spirit in the first place and that her interaction with Vanga was limited to a single meeting.
Deepika Padukone Met Sandeep Reddy Vanga Only Once?
According to Hindustan Times, a source close to the developments claimed that Deepika and Vanga have met only once. The source alleged that the filmmaker arrived an hour late for the meeting, while Deepika remained professional throughout their interaction.
The source further claimed that the meeting did not involve a complete narration of Spirit. Instead, only a one-line idea of the film was reportedly discussed. “She didn’t receive a full narration of the film. Deepika never commits to a project without receiving a full narration. So, Spirit was never a part of Deepika’s consideration set to begin with,” said the source.
Deepika Padukone Would Never Collaborate With Sandeep Reddy Vanga
The source also made a strong claim about Deepika’s alleged stance towards Vanga, saying that the actress does not incline to collaborate with him.
“Sandeep Reddy Vanga is the kind of filmmaker Deepika Padukone would never collaborate with, given his misogynist nature,” the source claimed, adding that this was allegedly evident in both his off-screen persona and his films.
With Deepika yet to respond to Pranay Reddy Vanga’s latest allegation, the fresh claims have added another layer to the ongoing Spirit controversy.
After Deepika’s exit, Triptii Dimri joined Spirit as the female lead opposite Prabhas, and the film remains in the spotlight well ahead of its scheduled March 2027 release.