09 February,2026 09:08 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Prakash Raj, Sandeep Reddy Vanga
Popular South actor Prakash Raj never believes in mincing his words, and his firm opinions prove it. The actor was all set to enthral audiences with his stint in Sandeep Reddy Vanga's anticipated film Spirit. Even the audio teaser of the film had sent fans into a frenzy. However, reports are now rife that the actor is no longer a part of the project due to a feud with the director.
According to a report in OTT Play, National Award-winning actor Prakash Raj, who was initially announced as a key member of the cast, has allegedly been dropped from the project. The chatter suggests that things took a bitter turn on set following a heated exchange between Sandeep Reddy Vanga and Prakash Raj over the script and execution of a particular scene. The situation is said to have escalated, leading to friction between the actor and the makers.
Further fuelling the speculation are claims that certain behavioural issues on set did not go down well with the production team, eventually leading to the decision to part ways with the veteran actor. However, neither Prakash Raj nor the filmmakers have issued an official statement yet.
It may be recalled that the makers had initially considered Deepika Padukone for the role of the female lead in the film. However, with disagreements erupting over pay and working hours, the makers chose to cast Triptii Dimri as the female lead.
Starring Prabhas and Triptii Dimri as the lead pair, Spirit will be reaching cinema halls on March 5, 2027. The makers treated netizens to the first-look poster of the film at midnight on January 1, 2026.
The gripping poster shows a wounded Prabhas standing by a window, while Triptii lights his cigarette. Along with Prabhas and Triptii, the drama will also see Vivek Oberoi and Kanchana as part of the supporting cast.
Workwise, the actor will star in Mrunal Thakur and Adivi Sesh's Dacoit. He is also part of Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan, which is in legal soup over CBFC issues. If reports are to be believed, Prakash will also play a pivotal role in SS Rajamouli's Varanasi, starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra.
