Following the success of Animal, director Sandeep Reddy Vanga has been gearing up for his next major venture, Spirit, with Prabhas and Deepika Padukone in the lead roles.
However, recent reports indicate that Deepika Padukone, previously rumored to be part of the cast, is no longer attached to the project.
According to reports, the actress was allegedly dropped from Spirit due to disagreements over remuneration and claims of unprofessional conduct.
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A source revealed, “Sandeep Reddy Vanga was taken aback when Deepika Padukone refused to shoot for more than six hours a day. Additionally, through her agency, she requested changes to the contract, stating that if the shoot exceeded 100 days, she should be compensated separately for each additional day beyond the original agreement.”
Amid these reported issues, the director and his team are now reportedly scouting for a new lead. However, an official confirmation from the filmmakers is still pending.
Spirit has already encountered several delays — first due to Deepika’s pregnancy and childbirth, and later because of Prabhas’ injury and prior commitments. As a result, speculation is rife that the film’s production may be postponed further, with some reports indicating it could be pushed to next year.
Prabhas is also lined up to work on the sequels to Kalki 2898 AD and Salaar before commencing Spirit.
Despite the ongoing delays, producer Bhushan Kumar recently mentioned in an interview that filming for Spirit is likely to begin within the next two to three months. Once that project wraps, director Sandeep Reddy Vanga is expected to move forward with Animal Park, the sequel to Animal.
In the meantime, Deepika Padukone is set to appear in the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love and War, and Shah Rukh Khan’s King.
(Also read: Ranbir Kapoor And Deepika Padukone To Have A Steamy Reunion In Love And War)
