When Kalki 2898 AD stormed the box office earlier this year, it wasn’t just the scale of the film that caught everyone’s attention, but also its performances, especially Deepika Padukone’s layered portrayal of Sumathi, a pregnant woman caught in a futuristic saga. Fans naturally assumed she would be part of the sequel, too. After all, the film had already teased a larger arc for her character.
But earlier this month, Vyjayanthi Movies, the production house behind the magnum opus, confirmed that Deepika would not return for Kalki 2898 AD Part 2. The announcement sent shockwaves across the industry and the Internet alike. And now, new details suggest that her exit wasn’t as sudden as it seemed because Deepika had already filmed nearly 20 days for the sequel before being dropped.
A Report That Changes Everything
According to a report by News18, Deepika’s departure stemmed from more than just scheduling conflicts, as was initially speculated. The insider quoted in the report revealed that Deepika’s team had pushed for a hefty pay hike significantly higher than the usual 25% raise most actors expect between sequels. The reasoning? Deepika believed she was irreplaceable, given how crucial her role was in the story’s continuation.
What really seems to have turned the tide was the way her management handled the negotiations. Director Nag Ashwin had already spoken in interviews about how some portions of Part 2 were shot alongside Part 1, and Deepika was deeply aware of the strong, performance-driven arc crafted for her. She had, in fact, shot almost 20 days of the sequel.
This revelation puts to rest the widely circulated theory of “date clashes.” The source emphasized that Deepika’s future schedule was always meant to be decided in consultation with the makers.
Vyjayanthi Movies Makes It Official
On September 18, after months of speculation, Vyjayanthi Movies finally broke their silence. In an official statement on X (formerly Twitter), they confirmed Deepika’s exit:
“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 projects.”
The carefully worded note made it clear that the parting wasn’t bitter but hinted at an inability to arrive at a mutually satisfying working equation.
A Pattern Emerging?
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Deepika has walked away from a high-profile project over professional disagreements. Earlier this year, she opted out of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit. Chronicles then indicated that she was not at ease with some working conditions, such as lengthy eight-hour shifts after motherhood, profit-sharing agreements, and a hesitation to perform extensive Telugu dialogues.
Her departure from Kalki 2898 AD Part 2 also appears to be repeating the same pattern: a star refusing to yield on her own terms, even if it requires leaving behind a blockbuster franchise.
Deepika’s Subtle Response
Deepika, being true to herself, has not spoken directly about the storm. Instead, she chose a softer approach. Shortly after the news of her exit went viral, she posted a heartfelt note on Instagram alongside a still from her upcoming film King with Shah Rukh Khan.
What This Means for Kalki 2898 AD
The absence of Deepika raises several questions about the sequel’s storyline. Her character, Sumathi, was central to the first installment, and director Nag Ashwin had hinted at a larger, more layered role ahead. Will the character be recast? Or will the sequel take the story in a completely new direction?
With Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, and Disha Patani still part of the sprawling ensemble, the makers certainly have the firepower to keep the momentum going. But losing a star of Deepika’s caliber is certain to reform the film in unforeseen ways.
Final Thoughts
In big-budget filmmaking, negotiations, artistic decisions, and personal limits tend to clash. Deepika Padukone walking away from Kalki 2898 AD Part 2 might have left viewers surprised, but it also reflects her insistence on doing her own thing. For her, the process of producing a film appears to be as important, if not more so, than the result.
As fans, we’ll now wait to see how the sequel unfolds without her, while she forges ahead with projects that align more closely with her values and vision. One thing’s certain: Deepika’s absence will be felt, both on screen and off.