‘Not Unreasonable’: Mani Ratnam Defends Deepika Amid Spirit Exit Controversy

The buzz around Deepika Padukone’s reported exit from Spirit has sparked conversations across the industry, especially concerning work conditions and artists’ rights.

While Deepika has remained silent on the Sandeep Reddy Vanga feud, several prominent voices have come forward to support her, including filmmaker Mani Ratnam.

Source : Instagram

The buzz around Deepika Padukone’s reported exit from Spirit has sparked conversations across the industry, especially concerning work conditions and artists’ rights. The actor allegedly opted out of the project after putting forth a clause to limit her working hours to no more than eight per day — a demand that reportedly couldn't be accommodated. While Deepika has remained silent on the matter, several prominent voices have come forward to support her, including filmmaker Mani Ratnam.

Mani Ratnam supports Deepika Padukone

Ahead of the release of his upcoming film Thug Life, Mani Ratnam spoke to News18, offering his support for Deepika’s decision.

He said, “I think it is a rightful demand. I’m glad she’s in a position to ask for it. I think as a filmmaker, you will take that into consideration when you cast. It is not an unreasonable thing to ask, but an absolute necessity. I think that should be the priority. You have to acknowledge that, understand it and work around it.”

What Ajay Devgn said

Actor Ajay Devgn had earlier voiced similar support for Deepika’s stance. He said, “It's not that it's not going down well with people. Most of the honest filmmakers will not have problems with it. And apart from this, being a mother and working for eight hours, most people have started working eight-nine hours shifts.”

Deepika-Vanga feud

Reports suggest that Deepika left Spirit when her work-hour conditions weren’t accepted. Following her exit, it was officially announced that Triptii Dimri would be starring opposite Prabhas in the film. Triptii has previously worked with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga in Animal.

Soon after the casting change, Vanga took to X (formerly Twitter) to address what he described as a script leak and underhanded PR tactics. He wrote, "When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) between us. But by doing this, you've 'DISCLOSED' the person that you are.... Putting down a Younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for?"

Spirit is expected to go on floors soon and is produced by T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures.