Deepika Padukone joins Allu Arjun and Atlee's magnum opus after exit from Spirit

Bollywood star Deepika Padukone is officially on board for director Atlee's next big project, which will star Telugu icon Allu Arjun in the lead role.

The announcement was made by production house Sun Pictures on Instagram, calling the film a "magnum opus."

"The Queen marches to conquer! Welcome onboard @deepikapadukone #TheFacesOfAA22xA6 #AA22xA6 – A Magnum Opus from Sun Picture @alluarjunonline @atlee47," the post read. This marks Deepika’s first on-screen appearance alongside Allu Arjun and a reunion with director Atlee, following their successful collaboration on the 2023 blockbuster Jawan, starring Shah Rukh Khan.

Atlee, widely known for his Tamil hits like Mersal, Theri, and Bigil, is helming the highly anticipated project under the banner of Sun Pictures.

Padukone’s new project comes in the wake of her departure from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s film Spirit. While there was no official confirmation of her casting in Spirit, reports suggest she was initially involved but was later dropped due to disagreements related to contract.

According to Bollywood Hungama, issues reportedly arose over her working hours and compensation.

A source claimed, "Sandeep Reddy Vanga got the shock of his life when Deepika Padukone refused to shoot for more than 6 hours a day for Spirit. That's not all, the actress, via her agency, also started to demand an amendment to the contract. Their point of contention was simple – if the shoot extends beyond 100 days, Deepika will have to be paid extra for every single day of shoot beyond the commitment on paper."

Sandeep Reddy Vanga later posted a cryptic note on X (formerly Twitter) that many interpreted as a response to the situation.

Without naming Deepika directly, he wrote: "When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) 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? As a filmmaker, I put years of hard work behind my craft & for me, filmmaking is everything. You didn't get it. You won't get it. You will never get it."

He further added: "Aisa karo... Agli baar poori kahani bolna... kyunki mujhe jarra bhi farak nahi padtha. #dirtyPRgames. I like this kahawath very much!"

Following her exit, actor Triptii Dimri, who previously appeared in Vanga’s Animal, was confirmed as the new female lead. Dimri shared the film's title poster with her name in multiple languages and wrote, "Still sinking in... So grateful to be trusted with this journey. Thank you @sandeepreddy.vanga... Honoured to be a part of your vision."

Meanwhile, there are ongoing rumours that Padukone might also be replaced in Kalki 2, the upcoming sequel starring Prabhas.

Reports suggest her request for reduced work hours after becoming a mother may be causing delays and friction on set.

A report by Bollywood.mobi noted the situation, though no official statement has been issued by either Padukone or the production team. A source close to the project has denied these claims, labelling them as "untrue."