Official Announcement from Vyjayanthi Movies
The production house behind Kalki 2898 AD, Vyjayanthi Movies, officially confirmed that Deepika Padukone will not be a part of the much-anticipated sequel. In a statement, they explained that while they valued the journey of creating the first film, they could not align for the next chapter. The announcement emphasized that a film of this magnitude requires absolute dedication and wished the actress success in her future endeavors.
Behind the Exit
Deepika’s departure follows rumors of creative and contractual differences with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga and co-star Prabhas. Reports suggest the actress had previously made similar demands on other projects, including high fees, profit shares, and personal requirements that led to her replacement in Spirit. Her unwillingness to deliver Telugu dialogues was also mentioned as a factor.
During the making of Kalki 2898 AD, some scenes were filmed while she was pregnant, and husband Ranveer Singh had even joked that their daughter Dua made her on-screen debut through the film. Despite the challenges, the first installment, made on a massive ₹700 crore budget, became one of India’s most expensive projects, crossing ₹1000 crore worldwide.
Deepika’s Current Career Moves
Although Kalki 2898 AD was one of the grandest films in her career, Deepika has not had a solo hit in recent years. She was last seen opposite Hrithik Roshan in Fighter and played major roles in Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan and Jawan. She will reunite with SRK once again for King, directed by Siddharth Anand, set to release in 2026.
Beyond films, Deepika has been making her mark internationally. Earlier this month, she became the first Indian juror at the prestigious LVMH Prize 2025 in Paris, where she presented the award alongside global fashion icons like Pharrell Williams, Marc Jacobs, and Stella McCartney.
The Future of Kalki 2
The exit of a lead star like Deepika Padukone creates a new challenge for the makers of Kalki Part 2, but with Amitabh Bachchan, Prabhas, and Kamal Haasan still part of the ensemble, the project continues to carry massive expectations. The film’s future casting choices will be closely watched as it builds towards its next phase.
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