Written By Ridhima Shaw
In a surprising yet exciting development from the world of Indian cinema, rising star Triptii Dimri has officially replaced Deepika Padukone as the female lead in Spirit, the much-anticipated action film directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and starring Prabhas.
The news was confirmed by the director himself on social media, Triptii’s casting was announced on social media by Bhushan Kumar’s production house T-Series.
The statement shared on Instagram, read: “A powerful new on-screen pairing is here! We’re thrilled to welcome #TriptiDimri on board for our ambitious pan-world film #SPIRIT, starring #Prabhas and directed by @imvangasandeep. Produced by #BhushanKumar, #SandeepReddyVanga and #PranayReddyVanga. The shoot begins in 2025. Stay tuned for more!” instantly sparking buzz across the film industry and among fans. Spirit marks the second collaboration between Dimri and Vanga, following the actress’s breakout performance in Animal, where she won hearts and attention nationwide for her powerful screen presence.
Reports suggest that Deepika Padukone’s exit was driven by disagreements over contractual terms. According to sources, the actress requested a strict 8-hour workday and additional compensation if filming extended beyond 100 days. Unable to reach an agreement, the filmmakers decided to move forward with a new lead, paving the way for Dimri’s entry into the high-profile project.
ALSO READ: Deepika Padukone dropped from Prabhas-starrer ‘Spirit’ over alleged ‘unprofessional’ demands
Dimri, often hailed as one of the most promising young talents in Bollywood, is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the film. Her pairing with Prabhas has already generated excitement, with many anticipating a strong on-screen chemistry. Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for Kabir Singh and Animal, is expected to deliver yet another emotionally intense and visually stunning film.
Industry voices have also welcomed the change. Veteran filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma praised the decision, calling Dimri “the next big thing in Bollywood” and commending Vanga for his bold casting choice.
Spirit is currently in pre-production and is scheduled to go on floors later this year. As fans await further updates, one thing is clear — Triptii Dimri’s star continues to rise, and Spirit could well be another milestone in her rapidly ascending career.
