Deepika Padukone’s Sudden Exit Confirmed
The highly anticipated sequel of Kalki 2898 AD has run into turbulence after the official exit of leading actress Deepika Padukone. On Thursday, September 18, production house Vyjayanthi Movies confirmed weeks of speculation by announcing that Deepika would not be part of the next installment.
Their official statement, shared on X, read: “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 news instantly went viral, with fans expressing shock as Deepika’s character, Sumathi, was central to the storyline of the first film.
It’s been one year since the world witnessed #Kalki2898AD.
Gratitude to the audience for being with us every step of the way on this epic ride.#KalkiCinematicUniverse
The journey into the future continues… ❤️🔥https://t.co/dkVjrCr2mC#1YearForKalki2898AD #1YearForKalkiKARNAge… pic.twitter.com/mQTZ1CFX06— Kalki 2898 AD (@Kalki2898AD) June 27, 2025
Nag Ashwin’s Cryptic Response
Just hours after the production house made its announcement, director Nag Ashwin posted a cryptic message on his Instagram Stories. Sharing a fan edit of Krishna’s entry from Kalki 2898 AD, he wrote: “You can’t change what happened, but you can choose what happens next.”
The note set off widespread speculation on social media, with many interpreting it as a veiled response to Deepika Padukone’s exit. Others suggested it was a more general reflection on moving forward despite setbacks. Either way, Ashwin’s words added fuel to the ongoing debate over what went wrong behind the scenes.
Why Did Deepika Padukone Leave?
While Vyjayanthi Movies’ statement maintained a diplomatic tone, multiple reports suggest that contractual disagreements and rising demands may have led to the fallout. According to industry insiders, Deepika reportedly sought a 25 percent hike in her acting fee, pushing her remuneration up to nearly ₹25 crore more than what she earned for the first installment.
Additionally, she allegedly demanded shorter shooting schedules capped at seven hours per day, luxury vanity arrangements for rest, and five-star accommodations for her 25-member entourage. These conditions, insiders claim, posed logistical and financial challenges for the producers.
The situation reminded many of a similar incident earlier this year, when Deepika walked out of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit. Reports at the time suggested disagreements over profit-sharing terms, her unwillingness to deliver dialogues in Telugu, and her new work-life balance after embracing motherhood.
Deepika Padukone herself has not issued any public response to the latest allegations surrounding her exit from the Kalki sequel.
Kalki 2898 AD: A Phenomenon
The first installment of Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin, was one of the biggest cinematic spectacles of recent times. Made on a massive budget of ₹600 crore, the film combined mythology, science fiction, and grand visual storytelling.
The film featured a stellar cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, and Disha Patani, with Deepika playing Sumathi, a pregnant woman whose journey was pivotal to the plot. Upon release, the film broke records with global box office collections surpassing ₹1000 crore, making it one of the highest-grossing Indian films ever.
What Lies Ahead for the Sequel
Despite the controversy, Vyjayanthi Movies has assured fans that work on the sequel will continue as planned. The production house is expected to announce a new leading lady in the coming weeks. Speculation is rife about potential replacements, though no official confirmation has been made.
Director Nag Ashwin’s note appears to underline the team’s determination to move forward. With the massive success of the first film, expectations remain sky-high for the sequel, and the makers are keen to keep the momentum alive.
For now, fans remain divided—some disappointed at losing Deepika in the franchise, while others are eager to see how the sequel reinvents itself without her presence.
