Mohit Suri weighs in on Deepika Padukone’s exit from Spirit over 8-hour shift clause; says it's 'unfair'

Mohit Suri on Deepika Padukone and Sandeep Reddy Vanga 8 hour shift controversy

The buzz around Deepika Padukone’s exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit continues to make noise in the industry. After several celebrities like Neha Dhupia and Soha Ali Khan came forward supporting the idea of regulated work hours, filmmaker Mohit Suri has now shared his perspective on the controversy surrounding the 8-hour workday clause.

In a recent interview with NDTV, Mohit Suri said, “Well, to each their own. I think it depends on the kind of budget you're working with. I don't think any director wants to make anyone work beyond what's required. No one's sadistic enough to unnecessarily torture someone. Sometimes, you're restricted by things like budgets, and that impacts everything, including how many hours a day you shoot.”

He also highlighted the importance of understanding project constraints before signing on. “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.”

Also Read: Alia Bhatt's mother Soni Razdan attends Wimbledon in London witach friends, see here 

Deepika was originally slated to star opposite Prabhas in Spirit, one of the most anticipated films from the Animal director. However, reports emerged that the actress demanded an 8-hour shoot limit, a refusal to deliver lines in Telugu, and a share in the film’s profits. These conditions allegedly led to creative differences, culminating in her being replaced by rising star Triptii Dimri.

Meanwhile, Mohit Suri is focused on the release of his upcoming romantic drama Saiyaara, which marks the debut of Ahaan Panday alongside Aneet Padda. The film, presented by Aditya Chopra and produced by Akshaye Widhani, is set to hit cinemas on July 18 and is touted to be an intense love story.