A brewing storm on social media has placed filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga in the spotlight yet again — this time, over speculation surrounding Deepika Padukone and her reported exit from his much-discussed upcoming film Spirit. What began as whispers in the entertainment circles has now ignited a heated debate online, splitting netizens into two camps: those accusing Vanga of perpetuating misogyny, and others who believe the situation may simply be a misunderstood professional disagreement.
Spirit, a pan-India action film starring Prabhas in the lead, has been generating buzz for months. Initial reports suggested that Deepika Padukone was approached for the female lead in the project. However, recent developments point to her decision to walk away from the film, and the reasons being circulated have stirred a fierce online discussion.
Social media erupted with theories, fueled in part by Vanga’s past controversies. Known for his intense and often polarizing storytelling style, particularly with films like Arjun Reddy and Kabir Singh, Vanga has often faced criticism for what many see as his glorification of toxic masculinity and problematic portrayals of relationships. That legacy resurfaced once again when news of Deepika’s alleged departure from Spirit began to circulate.
While no official statement has been made by Deepika Padukone or her team regarding the nature of her exit, Twitter and other platforms have exploded with reactions. Hashtags like #MisogynyInCinema and #DeepikaPadukone trended alongside #SpiritMovie, as fans debated whether the actress distanced herself due to creative differences, script concerns, or discomfort with the filmmaker’s thematic choices.
“Deepika walking out of a film with a director like Vanga? That’s a statement in itself. Kudos to her if she chose her values over a big-budget role,” one user tweeted, echoing the sentiment of many who feel this could be a silent stand against questionable narratives.
Others, however, cautioned against jumping to conclusions without knowing the full story. “Let’s not paint everything with the same brush. Maybe there were scheduling conflicts or script changes. Not everything is about ideology,” another post read.
Meanwhile, supporters of Sandeep Reddy Vanga argue that the filmmaker is being unfairly targeted based on past controversies. “Every time he announces a new project, people dig up Kabir Singh and start calling him a misogynist. Why not wait to see what Spirit actually offers?” a fan defended.
The controversy has also brought forth broader discussions about female representation in cinema, particularly in mainstream Indian films led by male superstars and directed by male voices. Deepika, known for choosing roles that balance commercial success with substance, has previously spoken about the importance of strong female characters in cinema. This has led many to believe that the decision to not be part of Spirit was a conscious one — possibly reflecting her commitment to choosing roles that align with her values.
On the other hand, a section of industry insiders suggests that the reports of her involvement in Spirit may have been overblown from the beginning. According to these sources, she was never officially signed, and discussions never moved beyond the early stages. If true, this would frame the current firestorm as a classic case of public speculation spiraling into controversy without concrete basis.
Despite the lack of confirmation from either party, the incident has reignited a vital discourse around gender dynamics in the film industry. Whether Deepika’s exit was indeed a silent protest or simply a scheduling issue, it has shone a spotlight once again on the choices women in cinema must navigate — often under disproportionate scrutiny.
For now, the debate rages on. Sandeep Reddy Vanga remains focused on completing Spirit with Prabhas at the helm, while Deepika Padukone continues to juggle several high-profile projects, including her Hollywood debut and other Bollywood ventures. But this moment — sparked by speculation, magnified by social media, and layered with deeper industry concerns — has proven that in today’s cinematic landscape, casting decisions are never just about roles. They’re about power, perception, and the pursuit of storytelling that resonates on both sides of the screen.
