Sandeep Reddy Vanga Lashes Out After Deepika Padukone's Exit From 'Spirit'
The filmmaker behind 'Animal' and 'Kabir Singh' posted a cryptic message on social media questioning an unnamed actor’s ethics and feminism.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the director known for Kabir Singh and the recent box-office hit Animal, took to social media on Monday to denounce what he described as “dirty PR games” following the departure of actress Deepika Padukone from his upcoming film Spirit.
While Vanga did not name Padukone directly, his post on X (formerly Twitter) strongly implied frustration with the actor, who recently exited the project, which stars Telugu superstar Prabhas.
According to several entertainment news portals, Padukone’s withdrawal was reportedly prompted by discomfort with the film’s adult content and a demanding production schedule. Just a day after her departure, actor Triptii Dimri was announced as the film’s new lead.
On Monday morning, Vanga shared a pointed message suggesting that details about the project had been leaked in an effort to discredit Dimri. “When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA between us,” he wrote. “But by doing this, you’ve ‘DISCLOSED’ the person that you are.”
He went on to question the motives behind what he perceived as undermining behavior: “Putting down a younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for?”
Padukone’s team has not publicly responded to the post.
Spirit is Vanga’s next directorial venture following the polarising success of Animal, which drew both box office praise and criticism for its portrayal of violence and masculinity.