Vyjayanthi Movies has officially announced that Deepika Padukone will not be part of the upcoming sequel to Kalki 2898 AD.
While the production house’s public statement cited an inability to “find a partnership,” multiple reports now reveal that the decision stemmed from a series of unmet demands by the actress.
Why Deepika Padukone Was Removed
According to industry insiders, Deepika Padukone requested:
- A 25% hike in her acting fee compared to the first film
- A strict 7-hour workday, citing personal commitments post-motherhood
- Five-star accommodation and full meal reimbursements for her 25-member entourage throughout the shoot.
These demands reportedly clashed with the production’s budget and timeline, especially given the VFX-heavy nature of the sequel. Producers attempted to negotiate by offering upgraded vanity vans and flexible scheduling, but Deepika’s team allegedly refused to compromise.
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…
— Vyjayanthi Movies (@VyjayanthiFilms) September 18, 2025
Notably, even lead actor Prabhas had not requested a fee hike, which added to the producers’ frustration. The situation mirrors Deepika’s earlier exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit, where similar conditions led to her replacement.
Impact on Kalki 2898 AD Sequel
Deepika played SUM-80, a central character whose unborn child is believed to be the final avatar of Vishnu—Kalki. Her removal raises questions about the sequel’s narrative direction. Will the role be recast, rewritten, or removed entirely?
Speculation is already swirling around potential replacements, with names like Triptii Dimri and Rashmika Mandanna trending across social media.
Deepika’s Career Moves
Despite this high-profile exit, Deepika remains active in Bollywood. She’s currently filming King opposite Shah Rukh Khan and is reportedly collaborating with Atlee and Allu Arjun on a new project.
