Sandeep Reddy Vanga SLAMS 'Dirty PR Games', Fans Think It's A Dig At Deepika Padukone, 'Agli Baar..'

Popular filmmaker, Sandeep Reddy Vanga, has ignited a storm on social media with his scathing remarks at ‘dirty PR games’, days after Deepika Padukone’s exit from his much-anticipated cop-action thriller, Spirit, starring Telugu star, Prabhas. Without naming anyone, the Animal director lashed out at an unnamed actress, accusing her of leaking film details and allegedly trying to sabotage a younger co-star’s opportunity.

Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s fiery post slams an unnamed actress

On May 26, 2025, Sandeep Reddy Vanga took to his X (formerly Twitter) handle and left a scathing post, seemingly criticising Deepika Padukone, for ‘putting down a younger actor’ and ‘ousting’ his story. Even though the filmmaker did not directly name anyone in the post, it appeared to be a dig at Deepika, after the actress exited Spirit citing ‘creative differences’, and was replaced by Triptii Dimri. Questioning Deepika’s feminism, the filmmaker wrote:

“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.” 

Sandeep further asked the unnamed actor to share the entire script of the film next time, adding that he does not care for these ‘dirty PR games’. The tipping point appears to be an article outlining Spirit's mature and violent themes, which the filmmaker believes could only have been leaked by someone who knew the initial script. He ended his post by mentioning a Hindi proverb about a jealous cat scratching the post, suggesting a veiled jab at an alleged behind-the-scenes rivalry or insecurity. The post read:

“Aisa karo.... Agli baar poori kahani bolna... kyunki mujhe jarra bhi farak nahi padtha. #dirtyPRgames. I like this kahawat very much: Khundak mein billi khamba noche!”

Why did Deepika exit Spirit?

Reports have suggested multiple reasons for Deepika Padukone’s departure from Spirit. While some sources claimed the actress was uncomfortable with the reported A-rated action sequences, some others highlighted her post-pregnancy priorities. One insider told Pinkvilla that Deepika demanded an 8-hour workday and higher remunerations, which reportedly clashed with Sandeep’s vision and production schedule. The Pinkvilla insider was quoted as saying:

“While the storytelling of Spirit is that of a quintessential Telugu entertainer, that has all the hero moments, the filmmaker is bringing a twist to the genre by spinning in an ‘A-Rated Action’ twist. Apart from the big-scale violent action scenes, Spirit will have some bold sequences too. Sandeep Reddy Vanga wanted to cast an actress who would be comfortable with the sequences written on paper. He has promised a comfortable and professional atmosphere on the sets amidst the shoot to Tripti.”

How much is Triptii Dimri charging for Spirit?

Spirit, produced by T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures, is positioned as a dark, high-octane action drama with Prabhas playing a fierce cop. Following Deepika Padukone’s exit from the film, Animal star, Triptii Dimri has been confirmed as the new female lead. She announced the news via Instagram, thanking Sandeep Reddy Vanga for his trust. According to Telugu 360, unlike Deepika’s reported Rs. 20 crore demand, Triptii is charging a significantly lower fee of Rs. 4 crore.

Do you think Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s fiery post is a veiled jab at Deepika Padukone? Let us know!

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