Triptii Dimri Breaks Silence on Replacing Deepika Padukone in Spirit: Here’s What Really Happened

The buzz around Spirit, Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s next big film starring Prabhas, took a dramatic turn when Triptii Dimri was announced as the new female lead—replacing none other than Deepika Padukone. Naturally, the internet exploded with theories, questions, and controversy. Now, Triptii has finally opened up about the switch, and the story behind it is more layered than the headlines suggest.

“It’s a beautiful film,” Triptii said, acknowledging the chatter while expressing gratitude for being brought on board. “I’m just thankful to be trusted with something this big.”

Dimri, who rose to mainstream fame after her impactful role in Animal, will now star opposite Prabhas in what’s being called a "pan-world" action drama. Directed by Vanga, Spirit is expected to deliver a mix of raw emotion, high-octane action, and the kind of intense love story the filmmaker is known for.

So Why Did Deepika Padukone Walk Away?

While there’s been no official statement from Deepika, several reports suggest the fallout came down to creative and contractual disagreements. Word is, she asked for a shorter working schedule, a backend profit deal, and a fee reportedly north of ₹20 crore. The filmmakers, apparently, weren’t on board.

Sandeep Reddy Vanga didn’t name names, but his cryptic social media posts about “PR games” and “leaking scripts” seemed to hint at behind-the-scenes drama. In typical Bollywood fashion, nothing is confirmed, but plenty is implied.

Triptii’s Casting: A Smart, Strategic Move?

Triptii’s casting isn’t just about saving on cost (she’s reportedly being paid ₹4 crore, a fifth of Deepika’s alleged fee). It’s about momentum. After Animal, Triptii has become a bankable name, especially among younger audiences. She’s got the screen presence, and more importantly, she fits the vibe Vanga seems to be going for—intense, grounded, and emotionally raw.

She’ll be playing a doctor opposite Prabhas’s cop character, and sources hint at a complex romantic arc that’s central to the story.

What Spirit Means for Triptii Dimri

For Triptii, this is more than just another film—it’s a clear elevation. This puts her in a new league, acting opposite one of India’s biggest stars under a director known for turning actors into phenomena. Vanga’s films aren’t subtle, but they stick, and if she pulls this off, it’ll cement her as more than just a rising star.

The industry’s reaction has been mostly positive. Even filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma chimed in, calling Triptii a “game-changer” and praising Vanga for betting on real talent.

The shift from Deepika to Triptii isn’t just a casting update—it’s a reflection of the changing tides in Bollywood. It’s also a reminder that star power alone doesn’t guarantee alignment between vision and execution.

As for Spirit, it remains one of the most anticipated films in the pipeline. If Vanga and Triptii recreate even half the magic of Animal, this could be something special.