Filmmaker Mohit Suri, best known for directing films like Zeher, Kalyug, Awarapan, Aashiqui 2, Ek Villain, and Malang, shared his opinion on Deepika Padukone's reported demand for an eight-hour workday, which allegedly led to her exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit after the director refused to meet her terms. Amid the ongoing debate, Mohit stated that he believes no director wants to make anyone work beyond what’s necessary.
Speaking to NDTV, Mohit 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."
Furthermore, Mohit explained that at times, filmmakers are restricted by factors like budget, which affect various aspects of production, including the number of hours a shoot can last each day.
He added, "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."
"Let's be honest the root of this debate is not personal. It's a budget issue. That's the reality," concluded Suri.
On the work front, Mohit is currently awaiting the release of his upcoming directorial Saiyaara, which marks the acting debut of Ahaan Panday, cousin of Ananya Panday and nephew of Chunky Panday.
The film also features Aneet Padda as the female lead. It is slated to be released on July 18, 2025.
After Deepika's exit from Spirit, she recently joined Atlee's Telugu film alongside Allu Arjun.
This film marks her second collaboration with Atlee, following their previous work on the 2023 hit Jawan, which featured Shah Rukh Khan in the lead.
