Triptii In, Deepika Out: What the Spirit Fallout Reveals About Bollywood’s Power Equations

 In a swift turn of events, Bollywood's beloved Deepika Padukone is out of Spirit, and Triptii Dimri is in. What initially appeared to be a quiet reshuffle has now turned into a public showdown, with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga firing a thinly veiled accusation of “dirty PR games” — setting off a frenzy of industry chatter and online debate.

The Rise and Fall of a Casting Coup

Deepika Padukone’s inclusion in Spirit was meant to be a major casting coup, adding Bollywood star power to a Telugu-language project headlined by pan-India star Prabhas. But just months later, her name vanished from the official lineup. As speculation mounted, insiders pointed to disagreements over work hours, production timelines, and pay structure as reasons for her departure.

Amidst rising curiosity, unconfirmed reports claimed Deepika had asked for a tighter schedule and compensation protections in case of delays — common for high-profile actors with packed calendars. However, what followed was anything but routine.

Director’s Outburst Takes Centre Stage

Sandeep Reddy Vanga broke his silence with a fiery post on X (formerly Twitter), hinting that an actor had tried to manipulate public perception after exiting Spirit. “You’ve disclosed the person that you are,” he wrote. While not naming anyone, the timing of his post and the details matched too closely with Deepika’s exit to ignore.

His statement has ignited conversations about how directors and stars manage conflicts, and how much of it should be aired publicly. Many in the industry are questioning whether the move was necessary or professional.

Triptii Dimri: The New Face of Spirit

Taking over the lead role is Triptii Dimri, who shot to fame with Animal and has quickly become a favorite among new-age filmmakers. Her selection was met with enthusiasm, but the reports surrounding her significantly lower fee compared to Deepika’s alleged Rs 20 crore have opened a fresh debate about industry pay structures.

Triptii brings a different energy and screen presence, and her casting also signals a shift toward younger, versatile talent in big-banner films.

Fallout and Future

The Spirit controversy is a clear reflection of the high-stakes nature of the Indian film industry, where creative choices, personal negotiations, and public perception intersect. While Deepika has remained silent, her fans and supporters argue that her departure should’ve been handled with more discretion.

As Spirit continues its production, it remains to be seen whether the film will carry the baggage of its casting controversy — or transcend it with powerful storytelling and performances.