‘Grow up’: Prakash Raj on 'Spirit' buzz

Trashing fake reports that claimed that he was out of Prabhas-starrer 'Spirit' over creative differences with the film's director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, well known actor Prakash Raj has now asked fake news factories to "grow up and have a life".

Prakash Raj took to his X timeline to pen a clarification on Monday. 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. #justasking"

Prakash Raj's tweet came in the wake of a section of the media claiming that the actor was out of the Prabhas-starrer 'Spirit' due to creative differences with Sandeep Reddy Vanga on the film’s sets. The report claimed that the team of Spirit was now hunting for a replacement for @prakashraaj and that some of the episodes he had acted in would have to be shot again.

It may be recalled that director Sandeep Reddy Vanga's eagerly awaited film 'Spirit', featuring actors Prabhas and Triptii Dimri in the lead, went on floors in November last year with a grand pooja ceremony.

Several celebrities had graced the ceremony including Mega star Chiranjeevi, who was a special guest at the event.

Bhadrakali Pictures, the production house of director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, had then taken to its X timeline to share pictures of the launch event. It said, "India’s biggest superstar #Prabhas’s 'SPIRIT' has been launched with Megastar @KChiruTweets garu as the special guest."

Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, who was touched by the Megastar's gesture of turning up for the event, had penned a thank you note to Chiranjeevi on X. In it, he had said, "Heartfelt thank you to our MEGASTAR CHIRANJEEVI sir for blessing the event with his presence. Sir..... your gesture is unforgettable — we all love you @KChiruTweets #SPIRIT MUHURTHAM"

The director also posted pictures clicked at the event. However, he was careful to ensure that none of the pictures posted showed Prabhas at the event for fear of revealing the actor's look in the film.

On his Instagram page, he published a picture of Prabhas's hands holding the clapboard of the film and wrote, "Dear fans… I thought PRABHAS anna’s hands were enough to EXCITE YOU ALL... So, on this muhurath day, I’m posting this for you — with gratitude and love. SPIRIT."

The film has already triggered huge expectations among fans and film buffs. Apart from Prabhas and Tripti Dimrii, the film will also feature Prakash Raj and Vivek Oberoi in pivotal roles.

Produced jointly by Bhushan Kumar, Sandeep Reddy Vanga and Pranay Reddy Vanga, 'Spirit', the film will have music by Harshavardhan Rameshwar. Stunts for the film are to be choreographed by well known stunt master Supreme Sundar while production design will be by Suresh Selvarajan.

It may be recalled that the makers had initially considered Deepika Padukone for the role of the female lead in the film. However, with disagreements erupting over pay and working hours, the makers chose to cast Triptii Dimri as the female lead.