Prakash Raj Officially Exits Prabhas' 'Spirit' Despite Earlier Denial of Rumors
In a significant development for the upcoming Bollywood film 'Spirit,' actor Prakash Raj has been confirmed to no longer be part of the project, despite his previous strong dismissal of such rumors. The confirmation emerged after the makers released a new poster that notably excluded his name from the credits, sparking widespread speculation about his departure.
Poster Release Provides Concrete Evidence of Exit
Recently, the production team behind 'Spirit' unveiled the first look poster for Vivek Oberoi's character. While the poster prominently featured key cast members and technicians, Prakash Raj's name was conspicuously absent. This omission has been interpreted by industry insiders and media reports as definitive proof that the actor has parted ways with the film. Currently, there are no official announcements regarding who might replace him in his role, leaving fans and analysts curious about the future casting decisions.
Earlier Rumors and Prakash Raj's Forceful Rebuttal
Earlier this month, on February 9, reports surfaced suggesting that Prakash Raj, who was slated to play a pivotal role in 'Spirit,' had exited the project due to alleged creative differences with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga. According to these initial rumors, the actor and director clashed over script details and shooting techniques, leading to a difficult atmosphere on set and ultimately resulting in their separation.
However, Prakash Raj swiftly denied these claims in a strong social media post. On his X (formerly Twitter) handle, he labeled the reports as "toxic #Fakenews" and clarified that filming for his scenes had not even commenced. He wrote, "To all the toxic #Fakenews peddlers…. On #Spirit the movie. We have not even started shooting for my scenes..and you whatsup factories speculate stories . Grow up and have a life." This rebuttal initially quelled the rumors, but the recent poster evidence has overturned his earlier statements.
Vivek Oberoi's First Look and Additional Cast Details
Amidst this controversy, the poster release also showcased Vivek Oberoi's character in a striking first look. In the image, Oberoi is depicted in a cold, atmospheric setting, smoking a cigar while wearing a purple velvet robe and glasses, complete with a moustache. He holds a sword and rests a foot on a couch, adding a dramatic flair to his appearance. Additionally, the poster subtly introduced another cast member, Aishwarya Desai, who is seen in the foreground, hinting at her role in the film.
Background on 'Spirit' and Its Casting Journey
'Spirit' stars Prabhas in the lead role, opposite Tripti Dimri as the female lead, following Deepika Padukone's decision to step away from the project. Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the film is highly anticipated and is scheduled for release on March 5, 2027. The project has been generating significant buzz in the entertainment industry, with this latest development adding to the intrigue surrounding its production.
The exit of Prakash Raj, a seasoned actor known for his roles in films like 'Singham,' raises questions about the film's dynamics and potential reshoots. As the situation unfolds, fans and critics alike are keenly watching for further updates from the makers regarding casting changes and how this might impact the film's narrative and release timeline.
