Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for his unfiltered opinions and intense filmmaking, has sparked a major controversy with his latest cryptic tweet. Without naming names, Vanga seemingly lashed out at a female actor, widely believed to be Deepika Padukone, following reports of her exit from his upcoming film “Spirit.”
Deepika Padukone’s Alleged Exit from Spirit
Earlier reports indicated that Deepika Padukone had joined “Spirit.” However, news soon surfaced of her unexpected departure from the project. Sources close to the development reportedly suggested that Padukone’s exit stemmed from a high remuneration demand of approximately ₹18-20 crore, along with specific conditions such as an 8-hour work shift and a refusal to deliver dialogues in Telugu. Following her departure, Triptii Dimri, who recently garnered immense popularity with Vanga’s “Animal,” took over as the film’s leading lady.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Fiery Tweet Goes Viral
On Monday, May 26, Sandeep Reddy Vanga took to social media to unleash a scathing tweet that immediately went viral. His post, brimming with apparent frustration and anger, read:
“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 I like this kahawath very much 🙂 खुंदक में बिल्ली खंबा नोचे !”
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…— Sandeep Reddy Vanga (@imvangasandeep) May 26, 2025
While Vanga deliberately avoided naming the individual, the timing of his tweet, which directly followed the “Spirit” casting changes and the circulating rumours about Deepika Padukone’s demands, led many to believe he aimed his remarks at the superstar.
Questioning “Feminism” and Filmmaking Craft
A particularly sharp point in Vanga’s tweet was his direct question: “Is this what your feminism stands for?” This line immediately sparked a debate on social media, with many users weighing in on the broader implications of his statement regarding the professionalism of female actors and the concept of feminism in the industry. He further emphasised his dedication to filmmaking, asserting that his craft represents years of hard work and that the unnamed individual “didn’t get it. You won’t get it. You will never get it.”
Deepika Padukone’s Recent Comments Amidst the Controversy
While Deepika Padukone has not directly responded to Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s tweet, she made recent comments during an event in Stockholm that many interpret as a subtle clapback. Padukone stated, “What keeps me balanced is just being truthful, being authentic. Whenever I’m faced with, say, complicated situations or difficult situations, to be able to listen to my inner voice and just make decisions, stand by decisions that really give me peace. That is when I feel most in equilibrium.” These remarks, made amidst the “Spirit” controversy, suggest her focus on personal peace and authentic decision-making.
“Spirit” Moves Forward with Triptii Dimri
Despite the public controversy, “Spirit” continues its pre-production. Triptii Dimri expressed gratitude for the opportunity to star opposite Prabhas, as she marks her second collaboration with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga after their successful outing in “Animal.” T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures back the film, which will cast Prabhas as a fierce police officer, and they plan to begin filming in 2025. The recent social media exchange, however, ensures “Spirit” remains a hot topic, adding another layer of intrigue to its highly anticipated release.
