Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has commented on the controversy surrounding Deepika Padukone and director Sandeep Reddy Vanga regarding the actress’ alleged departure from Spirit. Reports indicated that the actress, who has recently become a mother, requested an 8-hour workday, a demand that reportedly did not align with Vanga’s expectations. This sparked a significant discussion about reasonable working hours and the balance between work and personal life. However, Ram Gopal Varma feels that the entire situation was ‘overblown’.

He stated that work agreements, including shift schedules, are a collaborative decision made by both the actor and the filmmaker. He also noted that establishing fixed shift hours for actors is impractical due to the unpredictable nature of the film industry.

Ram Gopal Varma expressed, “When it comes to having fixed shift timings for actors, I genuinely believe that it is a mutual agreement between two individuals. Each party has the right to express their preferences, and the other has the right to decline.” He continued, “The entire situation (between Deepika and Sandeep) was, in my view, highly exaggerated. I can express a desire to work for 23 hours, while the actor may prefer to work for just one hour. That’s their decision. But how can one person compel another to do something? They can choose to collaborate or not… However, this matter was significantly sensationalized by the media.”

He further elaborated that it is not feasible for actors to adhere to fixed shift timings because filmmaking is inherently unpredictable and influenced by numerous external factors. “This is due to the fact that it relies on various elements. The director may require specific lighting. He might want a particular combination of actors, or perhaps the location is unavailable. There are countless factors that can come into play,” he stated.

Mohit Suri On Spirit Row

In the meantime, director Mohit Suri has also shared his thoughts on the Spirit controversy involving Deepika Padukone and Sandeep Reddy Vanga. In a conversation with NDTV, he remarked, “Well, to each their own. I believe it largely depends on the budget you have at your disposal; no director wishes to push anyone beyond what is necessary. There is no one so cruel as to inflict unnecessary hardship on others.

“At times, you face limitations such as budget constraints, which affect all aspects, including the number of hours you can film each day. You have the option to choose whether to participate in a project or not. However, what I find unjust is when someone enters the scene and begins to impose conditions after they have already committed. You were aware of what the project involved – the limitations and the realities,” he stated.