Mumbai: In a surprising turn for Bollywood fans, Deepika Padukone will not be part of the upcoming sequel to the 2024 Telugu blockbuster film “Kalki 2898 AD.” The makers have officially announced that the actress will not return to reprise her role in the sequel.
Deepika Out of Kalki 2
Vyjayanthi Movies, the production house behind the film directed by Nag Ashwin, shared the news on social media platform X, stating:
“It is officially announced that Deepika Padukone will not be part of the upcoming sequel of Kalki 2898 AD. After much deliberation, we have mutually decided to part ways. Despite the long journey of the first film, a partnership could not be reached. A film like Kalki 2898 AD deserves full commitment and more. We wish Deepika the very best for her future endeavors.”
Deepika had played Sumati, the mother of Kalki, who is destined to save the world. In the film, she portrayed a pregnant woman, with Kamal Haasan’s character Supreme Yaskin protecting her. Interestingly, Deepika herself was pregnant during the climax shoot and welcomed her daughter Dua with husband Ranveer Singh on September 8, 2024.
In Kalki 2898 AD, Deepika shared screen space with Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan. Prabhas played a double role as a bounty hunter and Karna from Mahabharata. Director Nag Ashwin set the story in a dystopian world 6,000 years after the Mahabharata war at Kurukshetra, ruled by the 200-year-old god-king Supreme Yaskin. While the original plan was for both parts of the sequel to feature Deepika, circumstances have now changed.
Reason Behind Deepika’s Exit
The official reason for Deepika’s exit has not been disclosed. However, the makers’ mention of “commitment” has sparked speculation that scheduling conflicts—possibly related to long shooting hours—may have played a role. This follows a similar situation with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit, from which Deepika exited reportedly due to demands including eight-hour shifts and high remuneration.
With her absence confirmed, fans are eagerly awaiting updates on who will step into her pivotal role in the Kalki sequel.
