Actor Deepika Padukone’s reported departure from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit has stirred widespread speculation and debate across social media in recent days. Anonymous sources have claimed that the exit was due to what they described as Deepika’s “unprofessional” demands—chief among them being a strict limit of eight working hours per day.
Now, actor Ajay Devgn has publicly supported Deepika’s stance. When asked about the matter at the trailer launch event of Maa, a horror thriller starring Kajol and co-produced by Ajay, he responded in her defense.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the 8-hour workday demand, Ajay stated, “It’s not that it’s being received negatively by everyone. Most honest filmmakers have no issue with it. And let’s be practical—whether someone is a mother or not, many professionals today prefer 8- to 9-hour work shifts.”
He further added, “It really depends on the individual, but I believe the majority of the industry understands and respects such boundaries.”
Background on the Controversy
Earlier this year, Deepika Padukone was confirmed to star opposite Prabhas in Spirit, which would have marked her second pan-India Telugu film after Kalki 2898 AD. However, reports last week indicated that she had opted out of the project after her demands—including the 8-hour workday—were not accepted. Deepika has not publicly commented on the situation.
Following her exit, it was officially announced that actress Triptii Dimri will now play the female lead in Spirit. Triptii recently worked with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga in Animal.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Vanga addressed the situation, alleging that confidential details about the film had been leaked. While he didn’t name anyone directly, his message appeared to take a swipe at the unfolding controversy. “When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA between us. But by doing this, you’ve disclosed the person you really are,” he wrote. He also questioned the misuse of feminism, writing, “Putting down a younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for?”
Spirit is being jointly produced by T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures and will feature Prabhas as a fierce and intense police officer. The film is currently in pre-production and is scheduled to begin shooting in 2025.
