The year 2025 in Bollywood was a tale of two realities. While blockbusters like Dhurandhar, Chhaava, and Saiyaara smashed box office records, the industry's backstage drama proved even more compelling. This year exposed the fragile ecosystem where contracts crumble, egos clash, and public silence often speaks volumes. From high-profile exits and legal threats to interviews that ignited nationwide debates, casting controversies dominated the headlines, shaking major franchises from within.
The Deepika Padukone Saga: A Stand for Principles
At the centre of the most layered controversy was Deepika Padukone, an actress at the peak of her global influence. The storm began when reports confirmed her exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit, starring Prabhas. Industry insiders revealed the departure stemmed from Deepika's firm demand for an eight-hour workday, a condition the director allegedly did not accept.
Vanga quickly replaced her with Triptii Dimri and made cryptic remarks hinting at a "breach of trust" and possible script leaks. The plot thickened months later when the makers of the monumental hit Kalki 2898 AD announced Deepika would not return for its sequel. Their official statement cited an inability to "find a partnership" with the actress, raising eyebrows given her pivotal role in the first film.
Deepika addressed the issue indirectly in a viral CNBC-TV18 interview, framing it as a matter of gender parity. "If, by virtue of being a woman, that’s coming across as being pushy, then so be it," she stated, adding, "It’s no secret that a lot of male superstars have been working eight hours for years." Her comments transformed a professional dispute into a powerful conversation about double standards and work-life balance in Bollywood.
Franchise Turbulence: Exits, Returns & Legal Wrangles
The chaos was not confined to a single star. The announcement of Paresh Rawal's exit from Hera Pheri 3 sent shockwaves through the fanbase, for whom Baburao was irreplaceable. The situation escalated with reports that co-star Akshay Kumar had initiated legal action against Rawal over contractual breaches. In a dramatic twist, Rawal returned to the franchise within days, though the terms of his comeback remain shrouded in secrecy.
As the year ended, another bombshell dropped: Akshaye Khanna walked out of Drishyam 3. Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak responded with rare public bluntness, accusing Khanna of exiting last minute after signing an agreement and taking an advance. He even cited a dispute over Khanna's demand for a wig as a major point of contention. The acclaimed actor was subsequently replaced by Jaideep Ahlawat, leaving fans stunned.
Silent Exits and Quiet Retaliations
Other major projects faced similar unrest. Following the success of Dhurandhar, Ranveer Singh reportedly stepped away from Don 3. Rumours pointed to remuneration demands of around Rs 30 crore and creative differences with director Farhan Akhtar. Both parties maintained a strict silence, letting the reports fuel the speculation.
In a quieter but significant move, Saif Ali Khan opted out of a film directed by Sneha Taurani after committing to it. Producer Ramesh Taurani swiftly replaced him with Sunny Kaushal. The fallout was severe; in a perceived retaliatory action, Saif was reportedly dropped from the Taurani-backed Race franchise.
The casting controversies of 2025 made one thing clear: Bollywood's biggest conflicts are no longer confined to closed-door meetings. These public spats disrupted major films and sparked essential industry-wide debates on creative freedom, gender equity, contractual accountability, and the shifting power dynamics behind the silver screen's glittering facade.
