Tarun Mansukhani Reacts To Deepika Padukone’s Alleged Work Hour Clause After ‘Spirit’ Exit
Deepika Padukone recently exited Sandeep Reddy Vanga's ‘Spirit’, over disagreements regarding shift timings and fee.
With ‘Housefull 5’ finally hitting the big screens today, all eyes are on director Tarun Mansukhani to deliver another rib-tickling blockbuster. But beyond the film’s comic chaos, the director recently found himself in the middle of a hot-button industry discussion – the ongoing chatter around Deepika Padukone’s reported exit from ‘Spirit’. The upcoming Sandeep Reddy Vanga directorial stars Prabhas in the lead role. It would have marked Prabhas and Deepika’s second collaboration after their hit 2024 film ‘Kalki 2898 AD’
At a promotional event for ‘Housefull 5’, Tarun Mansukhani addressed the controversy surrounding Deepika’s alleged demands for an 8-hour workday and a fee that was deemed unreasonable. While acknowledging the merit in her request, he also highlighted the complexities such conditions create in film production, especially once shooting is underway.
He told India Today, “I want to go home and spend time with my dog, and I understand the feeling. But you have to put it in the contract so that everyone is prepared.”
He pointed out that when a film is in production, countless elements – from actor schedules and crew availability to location logistics and budget allocations – are in motion and can't simply be paused or shifted on short notice.
Referring specifically to Deepika Padukone’s case, he explained, “No problem. Eight hours? I’ll need that many extra days, and then we’ll go ahead, but you need to tell me in advance. You can’t come to me at 11 am and tell me you need to leave at 5. There are other actors involved; the location for the day might not be available again or the budget might not allow it.”
Following Deepika’s exit from ‘Spirit’, the team quickly roped in rising star Triptii Dimri to take on the role opposite Prabhas. While some interpreted Deepika’s departure as a fallout over “unreasonable” demands, others in the industry have stood by her.
‘Thug Life’ director Mani Ratnam offered support, stating, “I think it is a rightful demand. I’m glad she’s in a position to ask for it. I think as a filmmaker, you will take that into consideration when you cast.”
Similarly, stars like Ajay Devgn, Kajol, Saif Ali Khan and Pankaj Tripathi have also spoken positively about the shift toward healthier work schedules in the film industry.
Reports earlier claimed that Deepika was replaced after requesting not just an 8-hour day, but also a fee exceeding Rs 20 crore. However, the production house reportedly found it difficult to meet both expectations.
Meanwhile, Tarun Mansukhani’s ‘Housefull 5’, packed with a star-studded ensemble including Akshay Kumar, Abhishek Bachchan, Riteish Deshmukh, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, Nargis Fakhri, Sanjay Dutt, and more, is expected to rake in major numbers at the box office.
