Casting Shift in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit: Katrina Kaif Linked to Prabhas Starrer

Industry Rumors Indicate Major Casting Changes

The pre-production phase of Spirit, the highly anticipated pan-India action feature directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, has seen a significant shift in its potential lineup. Recent industry reports suggest that Katrina Kaif has been offered a role in the film following the exit of Deepika Padukone. While neither the production house nor Kaif have released an official confirmation, the move would signify the actress's return to Telugu cinema for the first time in nearly two decades, her last appearances being in Malliswari and Allari Pidugu.

Contractual Disputes Lead to Padukone’s Exit

Details regarding Deepika Padukone's departure have emerged through reporting by The Hollywood Reporter India. According to these accounts, Vanga opted to move in a different direction after failing to reach an agreement on the actress's specific requirements. The reported demands included:

• A fixed compensation fee of ₹40 crore.
• A designated share in the film's total profits.
• A restricted daily filming window of six hours.
• An exemption from delivering dialogue in the Telugu language.

Padukone previously shared the screen with lead actor Prabhas in the sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD.

Narrative Stakes and Ensemble Cast

Should Kaif accept the offer, sources via Pinkvilla indicate she will occupy a specialized role. While her screen time may be concise, her character is described as a high-impact presence that influences a critical juncture in the plot. The production has already confirmed Triptii Dimri for her South Indian cinema debut as a lead alongside Prabhas. Spirit represents Vanga's first directorial effort since Animal, maintaining high expectations for the project across the Indian film industry.

Source: NDTV Trending