Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Cryptic Tweet Sparks Controversy Amid Deepika Padukone’s Exit from ‘Spirit’
Mumbai, India – Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the polarizing director behind the 2023 blockbuster Animal, has once again stirred the pot with a cryptic tweet that has set social media ablaze. Known for his unapologetic filmmaking and bold responses to criticism, Vanga’s latest post on X appears to take a veiled jab at actress Deepika Padukone, who recently exited his upcoming film Spirit, starring Prabhas. The tweet, posted on May 26, 2025, has reignited debates about Vanga’s confrontational style and his ongoing feud with Bollywood’s elite.
The tweet in question, written in Hindi, reads: “खुंदक में बिल्ली खंबा नोचे,” which translates to “A cat scratches a pole in frustration.” According to interpretations circulating on X, the phrase implies acting out of spite or irritation, suggesting Vanga is addressing someone’s reaction to a professional disagreement. While the director did not name Deepika directly, the timing of the tweet aligns with reports of her departure from Spirit, a high-octane action thriller set to release in 2026. Fans and industry insiders quickly connected the dots, speculating that Vanga’s post was a pointed remark aimed at the actress.
The Backstory: Deepika’s Exit and Industry Buzz
Deepika Padukone, initially rumored to be part of Spirit’s ensemble cast, reportedly walked away from the project due to creative differences or scheduling conflicts, though no official statement has been released by her team. The film, Vanga’s first collaboration with Telugu superstar Prabhas, is one of the most anticipated projects in Indian cinema, promising a gritty, action-packed narrative centered on a complex police officer. The buzz around Deepika’s exit has only amplified curiosity about the film, with fans speculating about who will replace her in the international cast.
Vanga’s tweet has fueled speculation that the parting was less than amicable. Posts on X suggest that the director feels Deepika’s decision was driven by personal or professional grievances, with one user commenting, “Vanga’s calling out the drama behind the scenes without naming names. Classic move!” Another user quipped, “Deepika probably didn’t vibe with Vanga’s intense style. This tweet is him saying ‘good riddance.’” However, these sentiments remain unverified, and neither Vanga nor Padukone has confirmed the tweet’s target.
A Pattern of Social Media Spats
This isn’t the first time Vanga has used X to address controversies. Following Animal’s release in December 2023, the official @AnimalTheFilm account, managed by his team, took digs at critics like Swanand Kirkire and Javed Akhtar, who slammed the film for its violent and misogynistic themes. Vanga later clarified he doesn’t personally manage the account, stating, “There are many enthusiasts in our team who handle Twitter… I’ve gotten a lot of abuses for it, as if I tweeted, but it’s okay.” He admitted that a sarcastic tweet aimed at Kirkire, which mocked the lyricist’s critique with a bizarre analogy about landing softly on one’s feet, was “not needed.”
The Animal account’s response to Javed Akhtar, who criticized the film’s problematic portrayal of gender dynamics, was equally provocative, questioning the veteran writer’s “art” and accusing critics of selective outrage. The backlash was swift, with netizens slamming Vanga’s team for disrespecting a legend. Vanga’s latest tweet suggests he remains unfazed by such controversies, choosing to address tensions with his signature blend of defiance and ambiguity.
Vanga’s Defiant Stance and Animal’s Legacy
Vanga’s career has been defined by his refusal to bow to criticism. Animal, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Rashmika Mandanna, and Triptii Dimri, grossed over ₹900 crore worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing A-rated Indian film of all time. Despite its commercial success, the film faced accusations of glorifying toxic masculinity and graphic violence, with critics like Swanand Kirkire warning it was taking Indian cinema in a “dangerous and scary” direction. Vanga dismissed such critiques, calling detractors “illiterate and uneducated” and arguing that personal agendas clouded their judgment.
In a recent interview, Vanga addressed the disparity in how Animal was received, noting that while Ranbir Kapoor was universally praised, he faced the brunt of the criticism. “I’m not jealous of Ranbir, but the point is ‘Ranbir was brilliant, but the writer-director was…’ I don’t understand the disparity,” he said, hinting at industry politics. His latest tweet seems to extend this narrative, positioning him as a filmmaker targeted by those unwilling to embrace his unorthodox vision.
What’s Next for Vanga?
As Spirit gears up for production, Vanga’s focus remains on delivering another boundary-pushing cinematic experience. The film, described as an intense crime thriller with dark psychological undertones, is expected to begin shooting in 2026. Meanwhile, Animal Park, the sequel to Animal, is also in development, with Vanga promising a “darker and meaner” narrative.
The director’s recent appearance on Indian Idol 15 to mark Animal’s first anniversary showed a softer side, where he discussed his close bond with his mother and teased a potential mother-son film that would be “positive” and “not dark.” Yet, his latest tweet proves that Vanga’s knack for stirring controversy remains intact, keeping him at the center of Bollywood’s most heated discussions.
Social Media Reactions
X users are divided over Vanga’s tweet. Supporters laud his boldness, with one writing, “Vanga doesn’t care about the industry’s fake niceties. He’s reshaping Bollywood, and they can’t handle it.” Critics, however, see it as another example of his confrontational attitude, with one user stating, “This man needs to focus on making films instead of throwing shade on X. Respect your peers, Vanga.” The tweet’s ambiguity has only fueled the fire, with fans eagerly awaiting any response from Deepika or her team.
Final Thoughts
Sandeep Reddy Vanga thrives on controversy, and his latest tweet is a testament to his refusal to play by Bollywood’s rules. Whether it’s a calculated move to keep Spirit in the headlines or a genuine expression of frustration, the director knows how to keep the spotlight on himself. As the industry awaits further developments, one thing is clear: Vanga’s next move—on X or the big screen—will be anything but predictable.
Disclaimer: The sentiments expressed in Vanga’s tweet and the interpretations on X remain unverified. Neither Sandeep Reddy Vanga nor Deepika Padukone has officially confirmed the tweet’s intended target.
