Mani Ratnam backs Deepika Padukone’s 8-hour workday request amid ‘Spirit’ exit controversy

Veteran filmmaker Mani Ratnam has joined the conversation regarding Deepika Padukone’s reported request for capped work hours on set. Following her alleged departure from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film *Spirit*, reportedly due to her insistence on an eight-hour shooting schedule, Ratnam has expressed his support for her stance.

Ratnam on Deepika’s Stand: “A Rightful Demand”

In an interview with News18, Ratnam addressed the controversy surrounding Padukone’s working-hour clause, deeming it entirely justified. “I think it is a rightful demand. I’m glad she’s in a position to ask for it. As a filmmaker, you will take that into consideration when casting. It is not unreasonable to ask for, but rather an absolute necessity,” he stated, emphasising that respecting such boundaries should be a priority. “You have to acknowledge that, understand it, and work around it,” he added.

Ratnam’s comments come just before the release of his next film, *Thug Life*, and align with earlier remarks made by actor Ajay Devgn, who also defended Padukone. “Most honest filmmakers will not have problems with it,” Devgn noted, mentioning that eight to nine-hour shoots have become standard for many professionals, especially working mothers.

 The ‘Spirit’ Fallout

 Padukone had been attached to *Spirit*, directed by Vanga and starring Prabhas, but recent reports indicated she left the project when her condition for the shift duration was not accommodated. While Deepika has remained silent on the matter, it was later confirmed that Triptii Dimri has been cast opposite Prabhas instead. Dimri had previously worked with Vanga in *Animal*.

In response to media coverage, Vanga took to the social platform X to criticise what he termed “dirty PR games,” alleging that parts of the film’s script were leaked. Although he did not name Padukone directly, he wrote: “There is an unsaid NDA between us. But by doing this, you’ve ‘DISCLOSED’ the person that you are… Putting down a younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for?”

What’s Next for Spirit

 Despite the controversy, production on *Spirit* is set to begin soon, with T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures backing the film. As the industry increasingly engages in discussions about work-life balance, Padukone’s stance—now supported by prominent voices like Mani Ratnam and Ajay Devgn—may signal a shift in how labour norms are viewed in mainstream Indian cinema. cinema.