Deepika Padukone’s reported exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit—allegedly due to her demand for an eight-hour work shift—has sparked a wide-ranging discussion in the industry. While netizens appear divided on the matter, several filmmakers and celebrities have come forward in support of Deepika. However, a few voices have offered a more nuanced perspective—actor Ali Fazal being the latest to join that list.

Ali Fazal joins debate after Deepika Padukone’s exit from Spirit: “We are creators. This is not like a corporate job”

In an exclusive conversation with the Indian Express’ Screen, Ali Fazal shared his thoughts, saying, “I am pro everybody being satisfied. At the end of the day, we are creators. This is not like a corporate job—no offence to them—but it is not. Creating things takes a lot of compassion. It needs to be mutually decided between actors, creators, and technicians: ‘What is the displacement of the hours in that particular project?’”

He further explained, “Sometimes, some projects don’t require much because they are VFX-heavy. Some projects require more because they involve action or drama. The genre changes the working style. That’s the kind of industry we are in. You can’t put a template on it. This is all subjective. It’s not for others to discuss or throw their opinions around. It’s harsh to ask people to take sides—it’s not fair.”

Earlier, director Mohit Suri had spoken in defence of Sandeep Reddy Vanga amid the controversy surrounding Deepika. In an interview with NDTV, he stated, “I don’t think any director wants to make anyone work beyond what’s required. No one’s sadistic enough to unnecessarily torture someone. You have a choice to be a part of something or not. But what I think is unfair is when someone comes in and starts dictating terms after signing on. You knew what the project entailed—the constraints, the realities.”

As for Spirit, following Deepika’s reported exit, the makers have announced Triptii Dimri as the new female lead opposite Prabhas. The film has not yet gone on the floors.

Also Read: Ram Kapoor on Deepika Padukone’s 8-hour workday row: “When I was doing television, I said I would only work eight hours a day…”

More Pages: Spirit Box Office Collection

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