New Delhi: Without taking names but leaving no room for doubt, filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga launched a veiled yet scathing attack on Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone over her reported exit from his upcoming action drama Spirit, starring Prabhas.

Vanga, known for his unapologetically bold opinions, took to X on May 26, accusing a leading actress of violating an unspoken NDA, undermining a younger actor, and attempting to reshape the film’s production terms. The cryptic rant is widely believed to be aimed at Padukone, who reportedly walked out after disputes over work hours and contractual conditions.

“There is an unsaid NDA… 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?” wrote Vanga, referencing the replacement of Padukone with Triptii Dimri, a rising star from Animal (2023).

Insiders claim Padukone requested limited shooting hours post-motherhood and sought revisions in compensation if the shoot exceeded 100 days — a stance seen by many as reasonable. However, disagreements escalated and Vanga reportedly asked her to step away.

Fans were initially surprised by her involvement with the director, whose films (Kabir Singh, Animal) have drawn sharp criticism for alleged misogynistic content. Some speculated creative disagreements over “bold scenes” may have also played a role.

While Vanga officially announced Dimri as the new lead on May 24 with a celebratory post, Padukone has remained silent, true to her composed public persona.

Spirit now moves ahead without its original female lead, but with drama that has already played out off-screen.

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