'Spirit' Commences Filming with Prabhas and Triptii Dimri Following Deepika Padukone's Departure
After much anticipation, Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit, starring Prabhas, has officially gone into production. The film, produced by Bhushan Kumar, marks the first collaboration between the Baahubali star and the director known for Kabir Singh and Animal. The launch was celebrated with a grand ceremony.
The journey to the filming start has been marked by casting changes, most notably the exit of Deepika Padukone. While initially slated to star opposite Prabhas, Padukone is no longer part of the project. Reports suggest that disagreements over remuneration, scheduling conflicts, and "unprofessional" behavior led to her departure. One report mentioned Padukone's request for limited working hours and a share in the film's profits as points of contention. Some reports also indicated discomfort with the film's potentially explicit content as a contributing factor. However, another source claimed that Padukone left Spirit for Atlee's film with Allu Arjun.
Following Padukone's exit, Triptii Dimri, who gained recognition for her role in Vanga's Animal, was cast as the female lead. Her casting has been met with enthusiasm, with many praising her screen presence.
In addition to Prabhas and Dimri, the film boasts an ensemble cast including Vivek Oberoi, Prakash Raj, and veteran actress Kanchana. Oberoi's inclusion has generated mixed reactions, with some fans expressing disappointment while others believe Vanga might revive Oberoi's career. There is speculation that Oberoi may play the villain.
Spirit is touted as a pan-world action thriller. While the storyline is being kept under wraps, it is expected to blend intense emotions and action, which is Vanga's signature style. Prabhas is expected to portray a raw and intense character. Vanga has stated that filming would commence by the end of November. The filmmakers aim to shoot the movie in one continuous schedule to maintain the story's flow and the character's consistency.
The film is designed as a global cinematic experience and is slated for release in nine languages. A "sound-story" audio teaser, unveiled on Prabhas's birthday, has already generated buzz.
The muhurat ceremony was graced by Megastar Chiranjeevi, who sounded the clapboard. While Prabhas was absent from the ceremony, Triptii Dimri and producer Bhushan Kumar were present.
With filming now underway, Spirit is expected to be released in late 2026 or 2027.
