Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, who has directed intense dramas such as Arjun Reddy, Kabir Singh, and recently Animal, has now responded to the increasing controversy over the sudden departure of Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone from his upcoming film Spirit. Without calling her out explicitly, the director took to social media to give a sharp reaction, blaming the actress and her team of engaging in “dirty PR games” following her walkout.
The director’s message wasn’t given easily. Sandeep, normally not one to make a ruckus outside his movie promotions, made it very evident this time that he would not stay quiet while his artistic integrity and casting decisions are challenged.
What Caused the Conflict?
At first, Deepika Padukone’s casting for Spirit generated buzz and positive reception. Trade insiders and media circulated reports of her being cast as the most dominant female character ever to be written in a Vanga film. Marketing materials indirectly suggested that the film would delve into raw emotional interplay and daring subjects, traditional characteristics of the director’s previous material.
But things sharply turned when word came that Deepika had walked out of the project. Although no official confirmation from her camp indicated the actual reason behind it, a number of “sources” attributed creative differences, unease with A-rated scenes, or clashing schedules as the prime reason. This loose yarn soon took the shape of a media-fueled rumormongering spree, with some reports hinting at the subject matter of the film being too risqué for a commercial heroine like Deepika.
This public shift in perception seemed to provoke Sandeep Reddy Vanga into taking a stand—not just to defend himself, but also his team, cast, and the story he’s trying to tell.
Vanga Responds with a Bold Statement
In a strongly worded post on X (formerly Twitter), Sandeep wrote:
“Some think they can walk away and then recreate the story through planted reports. Trying to label it as ‘creative differences’ while fuelling the media with saucy stories of ‘A-rated scenes’ is the oldest dirty PR trick in the book. But stories are not created by cowards. They are created by individuals who persevere in the craft without fear.
Though the director didn’t mention Deepika Padukone by name, the reference was clear. The message was aimed at the efforts to target the film and the team in a negative light after she left. His statements amply revealed frustration—not just for losing a star cast member but also for trying to sabotage the project by media manipulation behind the scenes.
In Defense of Triptii Dimri: “She Has Earned Her Place”
Fuel to the flames, the crew of the film announced Triptii Dimri as the new heroine soon after Deepika’s exit. Having impressed with her captivating performance in Animal, Dimri has a pre-existing understanding with Sandeep, and the director appears satisfied with his decision.
Within the same post, Sandeep Vanga defended Triptii vehemently. He stated:
“It’s unfortunate that young, talented actors are being drawn into these mind games. Triptii is no fill-in—she is an option. A strong one. And she has earned her spot on Spirit through her honesty, grit, and unparalleled intensity.”
This not only closed down the rumor that Triptii Dimri was a standby option but also sealed Vanga’s confidence in performing the movie. For him, Spirit is a vision child, not a compromise child. His words pulled a clear line between people who are dedicated to telling stories and others who, in his words, leave when things fail to go their way.
“True Feminism Is About Courage, Not Convenience”
Maybe the stingingest section of Vanga’s comment came when he made an open allusion to feminism. Without resorting to attacks on personal character, he challenged the motives for storming out of a female-led role and subsequently portraying it as problematic.
“If a powerful woman character bothers you, is it the material that’s courageous—or your courage that’s lacking? Genuine feminism isn’t about exiting when the going gets tough. It’s about walking through with force.”
The quote created a lot of commotion online. Many regarded it as a call to question celebrity feminism’s legitimacy, particularly when public image interferes with professional choices.
What This Means for Spirit and the Audience
Even with the controversy, Spirit is still building robust expectation. With Pan-India plans, the movie was always going to break boundaries when it came to theme, emotion, and presentation. Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s movies have tended to be controversy-magnets, and Spirit looks like it is set to do the same—before even a frame has been released.
Triptii Dimri entering the limelight is a change of pace. Rather than play it safe with a big-ticket actress, Vanga is investing in raw new talent. And given his history with the likes of Vijay Deverakonda, Shahid Kapoor, and Ranbir Kapoor, viewers can look forward to a high-octane cinematic experience.
Though the Deepika Padukone incident may still be trending in rumour mills, the director’s assertive reaction has already managed to get the debate back into the creative vision of the film. It also makes some pertinent points about story accountability, media ethics, and the public figure’s responsibility.
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Last Words: Sandeep Vanga Holds His Ground
Sandeep Reddy Vanga has never been one to mince words—and this latest incident is proof of that once again. By taking on the PR-scripted narrative and boldly defending his actors and story, he has taken back the narrative around Spirit.
In a world where stars tend to dictate the story, it’s unusual—and welcome—to find a filmmaker staking his claim with such uncompromising candor. Whether this does or doesn’t usher in more controversy and create peace remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: Spirit is now one of the most buzzed-about films in the pipeline, and everyone is watching to see how Sandeep Vanga and Triptii Dimri will execute it.
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