In a surprising turn of events, Triptii Dimri has been confirmed as the female lead in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s highly anticipated pan-Indian action thriller Spirit, replacing Deepika Padukone opposite Prabhas. Announced on May 24, 2025, the casting shake-up has sparked widespread buzz, with fans and industry insiders praising Triptii’s meteoric rise while speculating on Deepika’s exit. Backed by T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures, this ₹400 crore project is set to begin filming in 2025. Here’s everything you need to know about this major Bollywood update and what it means for Spirit.
The Casting Switch: Triptii Dimri Steps In
Triptii Dimri, who shot to fame with her powerful performance in Animal (2023), was officially announced as Spirit’s female lead on May 24, 2025. Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga shared a multilingual poster featuring Triptii’s name, captioned, “The female lead for my film is now official.” Triptii expressed her excitement on Instagram, writing, “Still sinking in…. So grateful to be trusted with this journey. Thank you @sandeepreddy.vanga ..honoured to be a part of your vision.” This marks her first collaboration with Prabhas and her second project with Vanga, following Animal. The announcement came days after reports confirmed Deepika Padukone’s exit from the film due to alleged contractual disagreements.
Why Did Deepika Padukone Exit Spirit?
Deepika Padukone was initially set to reunite with her Kalki 2898 AD co-star Prabhas in Spirit, generating massive excitement. However, a leading publication reported she was dropped due to “unprofessional demands,” including a ₹40 crore fee, shorter workdays (six hours), and additional pay for shoots exceeding 100 days. A source close to the production stated, “Sandeep Reddy Vanga was shocked by Deepika’s refusal to shoot beyond six hours a day,” citing her new motherhood responsibilities as a factor. While Deepika’s team has not commented, the decision to replace her with Triptii reportedly saved the production significant costs, with Triptii’s fee being notably lower.
Fan and Industry Reactions
The casting change has ignited social media, with fans divided yet excited. Posts on X hailed Triptii as a “perfect fit” for Vanga’s intense storytelling, with one user writing, “From Animal to Spirit, Triptii is unstoppable!” Others expressed disappointment over Deepika’s exit, with comments like “Deepika-Prabhas would’ve been 🔥, but Triptii will shine too.” Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma praised Vanga’s choice, posting on X, “Triptii’s screen presence in Animal makes her the next big thing in Bollywood. Congrats @tripti_dimri23!” Her rumored boyfriend, Sam Merchant, also shared the announcement with clapping emojis, amplifying the buzz.
What to Expect from Spirit
Spirit, a high-octane action thriller, features Prabhas as a fierce cop in a pan-Indian film slated for a 2026 release in multiple languages, including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Japanese. Produced by Bhushan Kumar’s T-Series and Pranay Reddy Vanga’s Bhadrakali Pictures, the film is in pre-production and expected to begin shooting in late 2025. Triptii’s role is rumored to be a glamorous yet pivotal character, building on her Animal success. The film also sparked intrigue with rumors of Korean actor Don Lee joining the cast, hinted at by Korean text on the poster.
Triptii Dimri’s Rising Star
Triptii’s casting in Spirit cements her as a rising star. After breakout roles in Bulbbul and Animal, she’s proven her versatility in films like Bad Newz and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. She’s also set to star in Animal Park, Vanga’s sequel to Animal, and Dhadak 2 with Siddhant Chaturvedi, as well as an untitled Vishal Bhardwaj project. Industry insiders note her mass appeal and comfort with glamorous roles make her a perfect fit for Spirit.
Why This Casting Change Matters
Triptii Dimri’s entry into Spirit marks a significant moment for Bollywood, highlighting her ascent as a leading lady in pan-Indian cinema. Her pairing with Prabhas, a pan-India superstar, is set to draw massive audiences, while Deepika’s exit underscores the industry’s evolving dynamics. With Vanga’s bold vision and a stellar cast, Spirit promises to be a game-changer. Stay tuned to FilmyDeva for the latest updates on Spirit, Triptii Dimri, and Bollywood news!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Deepika Padukone replaced in Spirit?
Deepika reportedly exited due to contractual disputes, including demands for a ₹40 crore fee, shorter workdays, and extra pay for extended shoots.
Who is the female lead in Spirit?
Triptii Dimri has been confirmed as the female lead opposite Prabhas, announced on May 24, 2025.
When will Spirit release?
Spirit is slated for a 2026 release, with filming expected to begin in late 2025.
