Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga has taken to social media to issue a scathing open letter that has stirred up fresh controversy surrounding his upcoming film Spirit, starring Prabhas. The filmmaker, known for his emotionally intense dramas, expressed frustration over what he described as a breach of trust and “dirty PR games” remarks widely interpreted as a response to the recent fallout involving Deepika Padukone and the film.
While Vanga didn’t directly name anyone in his lengthy post on X (formerly Twitter), fans and insiders are speculating that his remarks are aimed at Deepika, who recently exited the project under contentious circumstances. The actress was initially reported to be starring opposite Prabhas, following their work together on Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD. However, she has now been replaced by Animal star Triptii Dimri.
Reports emerged earlier this month suggesting Deepika stepped away from Spirit over disagreements about remuneration and working conditions. What followed was Vanga’s emotionally charged post, in which he criticized an unnamed actor for violating an “unsaid NDA” by disclosing details about the film’s story. “When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA between us. But by doing this, you’ve ‘DISCLOSED’ the person that you are…”
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
In a sharp swipe seemingly directed at Deepika, he added, “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. You didn’t get it. You won’t get it. You will never get it.”
The official announcement of Triptii Dimri as the new lead came shortly after, with the actress sharing her excitement on Instagram: “Still sinking in… so grateful to be trusted with this journey.”
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