Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the director known for his controversial yet commercially successful films, recently marked the sixth anniversary of his Bollywood debut, "Kabir Singh," by sharing a nostalgic post. The post featured Kiara Advani, who played the female lead, Preeti, in the film. This comes amidst reports of a fallout between Vanga and Deepika Padukone, fueling speculation and drawing mixed reactions from netizens.
On June 21, 2025, Vanga took to social media to commemorate the anniversary. He posted a close-up shot of Kiara Advani drenched in Holi colors, a still from the movie, with the caption, "Thanks for the love, 6 years for Kabir," tagging Kiara Advani, Shahid Kapoor, music composers, and producers. "Kabir Singh," a Hindi remake of Vanga's own Telugu hit "Arjun Reddy," was released on June 21, 2019. While the film was a massive commercial success, grossing over $40 million worldwide, it also sparked considerable controversy for its portrayal of toxic masculinity and its depiction of the central character's volatile behavior. Shahid Kapoor's performance as Kabir, a brilliant surgeon spiraling into self-destruction after heartbreak, earned him a Filmfare nomination but also faced criticism.
The director's post gained attention not only because of the film's anniversary but also because it seemingly coincided with a reported feud with Deepika Padukone. Recent reports suggest that Padukone exited Vanga's upcoming film "Spirit," starring Prabhas, due to disagreements over her compensation, working hours, and other demands. Some reports indicated Padukone requested an 8-hour workday to balance her career with motherhood. Following this, Vanga made a cryptic post on social media, accusing an unnamed actress of "dirty PR games," leaking plot details, and undermining the film. While Vanga did not directly name Padukone, many interpreted his post as a jab at her.
The "Kabir Singh" anniversary post, with its focus solely on Kiara Advani, has been interpreted by some as a subtle response to the controversy with Padukone. Some netizens pointed out that Shahid Kapoor, who played the titular role and was the face of the film, was seemingly snubbed in the post. While Vanga did tag Kapoor in the post, the absence of his picture led to speculation about a possible underlying message. Others suggested that Vanga's post was a way of highlighting the female character in his film, perhaps in response to criticism of his films being misogynistic. Some users online commented that the director seemed to be showing his 'feminist side' by posting only Kiara Advani's picture.
The controversy surrounding "Kabir Singh" has continued long after its release. Despite the criticism, the film remains a significant cultural touchstone, sparking debates about its portrayal of love, relationships, and masculinity. A 2023 University of Mumbai study even cited the film as a turning point that challenged conventional romantic narratives. The film's availability on streaming platforms like Netflix ensures its continued relevance and ongoing discussions.
As Sandeep Reddy Vanga moves forward with his future projects, including "Animal," the "Kabir Singh" anniversary serves as a reminder of the film that catapulted him into the Bollywood spotlight and continues to generate conversation and debate. The director's recent social media activity, in the context of his alleged fallout with Deepika Padukone, has only added fuel to the fire, further solidifying his image as a filmmaker who isn't afraid to stir up controversy.
