Prabhas’ upcoming film Spirit is once again making headlines after filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga unveiled a new poster featuring the actor and announced a revised theatrical release date. The film has remained in the spotlight not only because of Prabhas’ transformation but also because of the controversy surrounding Deepika Padukone’s exit from the project and allegations that confidential story details were leaked.
The latest poster has generated fresh excitement among fans, while the film’s casting controversy continues to attract attention across the entertainment industry.
New Poster Reveals ‘Spirit’ Release Date
On October 18, 2026, Sandeep Reddy Vanga shared a new poster featuring Prabhas in a rugged look, wearing dark sunglasses and a black cap. The announcement confirmed that Spirit will arrive in theatres worldwide on October 29, 2027, during the Diwali festive season.
The film was previously scheduled for release on March 5, 2027. The revised date places it in direct competition with Ramayana: Part 2, directed by Nitesh Tiwari and starring Ranbir Kapoor, among others. The potential box-office clash has added another talking point for fans of major Indian cinema releases.
Why Did Deepika Padukone Exit ‘Spirit’?
Deepika Padukone’s departure from Spirit became a major talking point after reports emerged about disagreements over working hours, remuneration and other production terms.
In August 2026, producer Pranay Reddy Vanga, the director’s brother, offered further details about the casting dispute in an interview with NTV Telugu. He claimed that Deepika had demanded a 10% share of the film’s profits and that disagreements over remuneration and scheduling contributed to the decision to move forward with other casting options.
The producer also alleged that confidential discussions about the film’s storyline and Deepika’s character subsequently became public. These remain allegations made by the production side, rather than independently established findings.
The controversy initially gained momentum over reports that Deepika wanted an eight-hour working day. The debate extended beyond the film, prompting discussions about working conditions, scheduling and expectations placed on actors in the Indian film industry.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Reaction to the Alleged Plot Leak
The controversy intensified after Sandeep Reddy Vanga expressed his displeasure on social media over what he described as the disclosure of confidential story details. Although he did not explicitly name Deepika in his post, his remarks were widely linked to the ongoing dispute surrounding her exit from the film.
The filmmaker emphasised the importance of trust between directors and actors, arguing that sharing a story during casting discussions should come with an expectation of confidentiality. His comments sparked further debate among fans and industry observers.
Deepika, meanwhile, has defended the principle of reasonable working hours in previous interviews, pointing out that long shooting schedules can affect actors and crew members alike. The competing perspectives have kept the dispute in public discussion.
Triptii Dimri Replaces Deepika Padukone
Following Deepika’s exit, Triptii Dimri was brought on board as the female lead opposite Prabhas. The casting change generated considerable interest, particularly because Dimri had previously worked with Vanga in Animal.
The film also features actors including Vivek Oberoi and Prakash Raj in important roles. Prabhas is expected to portray a police officer, with the project being positioned as an intense action drama. However, the makers have kept several plot details under wraps.
‘Spirit’ Set for a Major Diwali Box-Office Clash
With its new release date, Spirit is shaping up to be one of the major theatrical releases of Diwali 2027. Its clash with Ramayana: Part 2 could make the festive season particularly competitive for the Hindi and pan-Indian film markets.
For Prabhas, the film marks his first collaboration with Sandeep Reddy Vanga, whose previous projects, including Arjun Reddy, Kabir Singh and Animal, have attracted considerable attention.
The newly released poster has renewed anticipation for the project, but the continuing debate over Deepika’s departure ensures that Spirit remains in the headlines even before its promotional campaign gathers momentum.
As the production moves forward, audiences will be watching for further updates on the film’s cast, storyline and promotional material ahead of its scheduled worldwide release on October 29, 2027.
