Deepika Padukone has long been one of the most admired stars of Bollywood, known not just for her grace on screen but also for her ability to balance intense roles with her personal life. Kalki 2898 AD created huge buzz earlier this year, blending mythology and science fiction in a way rarely seen in Indian cinema. The two names together promised something special. But now, as the makers gear up for the sequel, they’ve announced that Deepika will not be a part of the film.
On Thursday, the production team of Kalki 2898 AD shared the news on their official X handle. The post stated that after much thought, they and the actress had decided to part ways. The announcement emphasised that a project as massive as Kalki requires complete dedication and despite the long journey of making the first film, both the sides could not find the right partnership. They wished Deepika Padukone the best for her future projects.
Here is what they wrote, “This is to officially announce that @deepikapadukone will not be a part of the upcoming sequel of #Kalki2898AD. After careful consideration, We have decided to part ways. Despite the long journey of making the first film, we were unable to find a partnership. And a film like @Kalki2898AD deserves that commitment and much more. We wish her the best with her future works.”
https://x.com/VyjayanthiFilms/status/1968553829848195285
Deepika Padukone herself has not yet released any official statement about the exit. This marks the second time she has walked away from a film starring Prabhas. Earlier, she had been dropped from director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit.
Reports at the time suggested that her conditions, such as restricting her workday to eight hours, demanding a high salary and seeking a share of profits, did not sit well with Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Since becoming a mother, Deepika has reportedly been trying to set clear boundaries between her work and personal life, choosing roles that allow her more balance.
Sandeep Reddy Vanga, however, did not take her exit lightly. He took to X and criticised the actress, accusing her of running negative PR campaigns. He suggested that by revealing details of their discussions, she had broken the unspoken trust between a filmmaker and an actor. His post carried a sharp tone, accusing her of undermining younger talent and questioning the values she claims to stand for. He stressed that for him, cinema is a result of years of effort and creativity, something he felt she failed to respect. With Deepika Padukone out of Spirit, the director quickly confirmed that Triptii Dimri would be joining the project instead.
Meanwhile, fans of Kalki 2898 AD are left curious about who will step into Deepika’s place in the sequel. For now, the news adds yet another dramatic turn to the story of one of the most ambitious franchises of Indian cinema.
