Rana Daggubati revisits Deepika Padukone’s 8-hour shift row: 'It’s not a factory'

Deepika Padukone’s reported exit from Spirit, starring Prabhas and directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, over her request for an 8-hour workday as a new mother turned into a nationwide talking point. Artists and technicians across languages weighed in- some supporting the idea of regulated working hours, others defending cinema’s unpredictable demands. Among those who had already spoken about it was Baahubali star Rana Daggubati, who has now revisited the issue.

Related Story: After Rashmika Mandanna, Keerthy Suresh joins Deepika Padukone in calling for ideal work shifts

“This Is Not a Job; It’s a Lifestyle,” Says Rana

Appearing on The Hollywood Reporter Roundtable 2025 with Dulquer Salmaan, Vikramaditya Motwane and Archana Kalpathi, Rana reflected on the debate surrounding fixed working hours in filmmaking.

He explained, “This is not a job; it's a lifestyle. Each film will ask for something else. It's not a factory. We could sit for eight hours and the best scene comes out, or sit for fifty and nothing comes out.”

The actor emphasised the fluidity of cinematic work, pointing out how creative output often defies time-bound structures.

Region, Project, Personal Choice- No One-Size-Fits-All

Rana had earlier discussed the issue in June, stressing that filmmaking culture varies widely across regions and productions.

Speaking to Lallantop, he shared, “It depends on the project, the person, and the region. For example, in Maharashtra, it's a 12-hour shift, while in Telugu cinema typically has an 8-hour shift starting at 7 am. Everyone has a certain mentality, and the city also gives to certain things. You are seeing it as a generic statement - it is not. If you have to shoot on a set, it depends on how much prep you need. There are films taking place on a big spectacle where only two shoots take place in a day.”

His observation highlighted the diverse, often unpredictable nature of film schedules, especially when dealing with large-scale productions.

Casting Shake-Ups and New Beginnings

Deepika’s decision created ripples beyond the discussion. Following her exit, Sandeep Reddy Vanga roped in Triptii Dimri as Prabhas’ co-star in Spirit. Separately, makers of Kalki 2898 AD announced that Deepika would not be part of the much-anticipated sequel.

However, the actress quickly expanded her slate with major projects- signing Allu Arjun and Atlee’s film (AA22xA6) and also joining Shah Rukh Khan’s King.

Must Read: Ranbir Kapoor-Deepika Padukone reunion on cards? Set to rekindle the magic of Raj Kapoor-Nargis and Aamir Khan-Pooja Bhatt!

The Broader Question

Rana Daggubati’s remarks reflect an ongoing industry struggle- balancing human needs with the artistic and commercial pressures of filmmaking. While Deepika Padukone’s stand reignited the conversation, the responses suggest that cinema remains too dynamic for standardised rules, yet too demanding to ignore evolving personal and professional realities.