Prakash Raj Firmly Denies Reports of Leaving Prabhas' Spirit After Alleged Argument with Director
Veteran actor Prakash Raj has categorically rubbished widespread rumors suggesting his exit from the highly anticipated action drama Spirit, starring Prabhas in the lead role. Reports had circulated online claiming that Raj was removed from the film following a disagreement with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, but the actor has now dismissed these claims as baseless speculation.
'Nonsense Speculation,' Says Prakash Raj in Strong Rebuttal
In an exclusive statement to SCREEN, Prakash Raj addressed the rumors head-on, stating, "Some nonsense speculation. I'm not aware of it." He emphasized that he remains very much a part of the project and will be seen in a key role alongside Prabhas, Triptii Dimri, Vivek Oberoi, and other cast members. The film is co-produced by Vanga's Bhadrakali Pictures and Bhushan Kumar's T-Series, marking their first collaboration since the 2023 blockbuster Animal.
Taking to social media platform X, Raj further condemned the false reports, posting, "To all the toxic #Fakenews peddlers…. On #Spirit the movie . We have not even started shooting for my scenes .. and you whatsup factories speculate stories . Grow up and have a life ????. #justasking." This strong response highlights his frustration with the unfounded gossip surrounding the film's production.
Background: Spirit's Previous Controversy Involving Deepika Padukone
This is not the first time Spirit has been embroiled in controversy. Last year, the film made headlines when Deepika Padukone exited the project before shooting began. Reports indicated that Padukone had a disagreement with the makers over working hours, as she sought to maintain a work-life balance following the birth of her daughter with husband Ranveer Singh.
After Padukone was replaced by Triptii Dimri, who gained prominence with her role in Animal, director Sandeep Reddy Vanga took to X to criticize Padukone for what he described as spreading misinformation and maligning a younger actor. Although he did not name her directly, Vanga accused her of playing "dirty PR games." In response, Padukone defended her stance, advocating for better working conditions in the industry and noting that leading male stars have long worked fewer hours without issue.
Production Details and Release Timeline
Spirit is shaping up to be a major tentpole film in Indian cinema, with a star-studded cast and high expectations from fans. The collaboration between Bhadrakali Pictures and T-Series adds to the anticipation, given their previous success with Animal. The film is currently in production, with Prakash Raj confirming that his scenes have not yet been shot, further debunking the exit rumors.
The movie is slated for a theatrical release on March 5, 2027, and is expected to generate significant buzz as it progresses. With Prakash Raj's denial putting the rumors to rest, the focus now shifts back to the film's development and the performances of its ensemble cast.
As the industry watches closely, this incident underscores the challenges of managing public perception in the age of social media, where unverified reports can quickly gain traction. Prakash Raj's firm stance serves as a reminder to rely on official sources for accurate information about film projects.
