It’s been over a month since Deepika Padukone walked away from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s high-profile cop thriller Spirit, reportedly due to her demand for an 8-hour workday after returning to motherhood. The story continues to fuel industry conversations about actor welfare, production logistics, and evolving norms. Now, director Mohit Suri has weighed in — offering a candid, no-fluff assessment.
Despite the buzz around demanding talent, Mohit is clear: “No one’s sadistic enough to torture someone” over shoot timings. Speaking to NDTV, he emphasized that project budgets set the pace — and extreme shoot hours aren’t anyone’s goal.
“Well, to each their own. It depends on the kind of budget you’re working with. No director wants actors working beyond what’s required.”
But Mohit draws a line at post-signing negotiations: once the contract is signed, shifting terms isn’t fair.
“You have a choice to be part of something or not. What I think is unfair is when someone comes in and starts dictating terms after signing on. You knew what the project entailed — the constraints, the realities.”
Industry-Wide Ripple Effects
Deepika’s move didn’t happen in a vacuum. Earlier, she insisted on fixed working hours for crew welfare — prioritizing mental health and avoiding burnout. The ripple has spread:
- Anurag Basu spoke up in support, stating, “I want my actors to be happy on set”
- Soha Ali Khan and Shikha Talsania echoed her stance, reminding everyone, “She’s been in the industry… she’s proven herself”.
- On the flip side, veteran figure Suneel Darshan dismissed the demand as “unreal,” claiming it would embarrass producers.
Even Saif Ali Khan chimed in, saying real success comes from being present for loved ones — underscoring the personal stakes
What Does This Mean for Spirit?
Deepika’s exit triggered casting shifts and story adjustments:
- She reportedly asked for compensation upping beyond ₹25 crore and 10% profit share — along with an 8-hour shift cap.
- Spirit has now brought in Triptii Dimri opposite Prabhas, with whispers of A-rating and adult themes.
- Sandeep’s cryptic remark on X accused “someone” of violating an NDA and derailing the story — widely interpreted as a shot at Deepika .
A Glimpse into Bollywood’s Tough Balance
This isn’t just a Deepika drama — it’s a flashpoint for larger changes in Bollywood:
- Intensifying pressure for healthier schedules and fair working hours.
- Rising demand for talent agency from top actors.
- Concerns around production constraints — limited budgets still need more shooting hours to finish on time.
Mohit summed it up best: “Let’s be honest, the root of this debate is not personal. It’s a budget issue.”
Jay‑Ho! Verdict
Deepika isn’t just protecting herself — she’s shining a spotlight on industry conditions, especially for women who balance work and family. What’s refreshing is the broad support from across the board, signaling a positive shift.
Meanwhile, Mohit’s response isn’t about picking sides — it’s about pointing out a production truth: filmmaking is a complex, budget-driven machine. Ideally, collaboration and clarity upfront would head off controversies like this.
Whether you’re Team Deepika’s mom-priorities or Team production pragmatism, the debate is healthy — and overdue.
Bottomline? Bollywood is stepping into a new era — one where talent expectations meet production realities, and mitti ki khushboo mixes with modern professional respect.
