Rashmika Mandanna to join Rebel star Prabhas in ‘Spirit’ after Deepika Padukone’s exit?

In a surprising turn of events, Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has reportedly exited the much-anticipated film Spirit, directed by Animal fame Sandeep Reddy Vanga and starring pan-India star Prabhas. While no official confirmation has been issued, reports suggest that Rashmika Mandanna is now the frontrunner to replace Deepika as the female lead.

Rashmika previously worked with Vanga in the 2023 blockbuster Animal, opposite Ranbir Kapoor, and received immense praise for her performance. Her potential collaboration with Prabhas in Spirit is generating significant buzz among fans, marking their first on-screen pairing. The combination of Vanga’s intense storytelling, Prabhas’s star power, and Rashmika’s screen presence has raised expectations for the film to new heights.

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Deepika’s Exit

Deepika’s alleged exit, however, has stirred controversy. According to industry insiders, the actress had a series of disagreements with the director over professional terms. She reportedly demanded a capped eight-hour workday, which translated to just six hours of productive shoot time. Furthermore, Deepika is said to have asked for an unprecedented remuneration of Rs 20 crore, along with a share of the film's profits. Her reported refusal to deliver dialogues in Telugu—a crucial aspect for a multilingual film like Spirit—further complicated matters.

Sources from the production team have labeled these demands as “unprofessional,” ultimately leading to her departure. While the situation remains delicate, the production house is expected to announce the finalized cast soon.

Rashmika-Prabhas Pairing

If Rashmika officially comes on board, Spirit would not only mark another milestone in her career but also serve as a major boost for the film's pan-India appeal. Fans now eagerly await confirmation, hopeful that the Rashmika-Prabhas pairing lives up to its hype.