The recent controversy surrounding Deepika Padukone’s departure from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s film “Spirit” has sparked a broader discussion about the demanding work hours in the film industry. Actress Rashmika Mandanna, who has previously collaborated with Vanga on the film “Animal,” shared her insights on this issue during an interview with Mojo Story.

Rashmika acknowledged the ongoing debate and emphasized the importance of open communication between actors and directors regarding work schedules. She stated, “Today, when the debate is going on, I know a lot of people have opinions about it, and rightly so. But it’s fair that you went and told your director, ‘Okay, this is the timeframe I want to work in. Can we do this?'”

Highlighting the challenges faced by actors, Rashmika pointed out that there are instances where individuals work for extended periods without rest. She remarked, “Of course, it’s their personal debate. But just to throw a little light on these things, there are much worse scenarios happening where you are working 2–3 days without going home, without even having a little nap.”

Drawing from her experience across various film industries, Rashmika discussed the differences in work schedules between regional and Hindi cinema. She explained that in the South Indian film industry, typical working hours are from 9 am to 6 pm, allowing actors to maintain a balanced lifestyle. In contrast, Hindi cinema often demands longer shifts from 9 am to 9 pm. Despite these differences, Rashmika expressed her adaptability to both schedules as part of her professional commitment.

Rashmika also highlighted the extreme lengths some productions go to, where shoots can extend beyond scheduled hours into marathon sessions lasting up to 48 hours. She noted that such intense working conditions are not uncommon in the industry.

Deepika Padukone’s exit from “Spirit” was reportedly due to creative differences and her demands for an eight-hour workday, profit-sharing, and significant compensation. Following her departure, Triptii Dimri has been cast as her replacement in the film.