Hollywood-Level Twist for Sumathi Role in ‘Kalki 2’! Deepika OUT… Who’s IN?

The 2024 blockbuster Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin and starring Prabhas, became one of the biggest triumphs in Tamil and Telugu cinema. Produced by Vyjayanthi Movies with music by Santhosh Narayanan, the film featured Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Deepika Padukone in pivotal roles. It raked in over ₹1,100 crore worldwide, earning massive acclaim as a pan-Indian sci-fi epic.

Deepika Padukone stole hearts as Sumathi (SUM-80), the mother carrying the child Kalki, delivering a performance that blended vulnerability and strength to widespread praise. However, on September 18, 2025, Vyjayanthi Movies issued an official statement announcing her exit from Kalki 2 (the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD). The note 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. A film like Kalki 2898 AD deserves that commitment and much more. We wish her the best with her future works.” This bombshell left fans reeling in shock.

Reports suggest Deepika’s departure stemmed from demands including a 25% salary hike and an 8-hour workday post-pregnancy, which clashed with the production’s vision. Speculation immediately swirled around her replacement for the crucial Sumathi role, with names like Sai Pallavi, Alia Bhatt, Anushka Shetty, Pooja Hegde, Anushka Sharma, Kriti Sanon, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan floating in media and fan discussions.

In the latest buzz, unverified reports claim that Priyanka Chopra is in talks to step into Sumathi’s shoes, bringing her global star power and prior on-screen chemistry with Deepika from films like Bajirao Mastani to the table. Fans on platforms like Reddit and X are already hailing it as a “perfect replacement,” though some wonder how the plot will handle the recasting. Priyanka, fresh off her high-profile role in SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi where she’s reportedly earning ₹30 crore, could add an international edge to the franchise.

That said, the makers haven’t confirmed anything yet, keeping the intrigue alive. With Kalki 2 in pre-production and shooting slated for 2026, the sequel—reuniting Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan—promises even bigger stakes. If this casting coup materializes, it could propel Indian cinema’s next billion-dollar phenomenon. Fans, stay tuned—the official word could drop any day!