Shock for Fans: Deepika Padukone Out of Kalki 2898 AD Sequel

A few days ago, director Nag Ashwin stated that it would take some time for Kalki 2 to begin production, given Prabhas’ packed schedule. The delay comes as no surprise after the monumental success of the first installment, Kalki 2898 AD, which went on to become one of Indian cinema’s biggest blockbusters, grossing over ?1,100 crore worldwide.

One of the most striking revelations regarding the sequel is that Bollywood star Deepika Padukone, who played a pivotal role in the first film, will not be part of the upcoming chapter. The production team officially confirmed this development through a statement on X.

The post read: “This is to officially announce that Deepika Padukone 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 Kalki 2898 AD deserves that commitment and much more. We wish her the best with her future works.”

Deepika’s exit comes as a major surprise since her character was central to the narrative of Kalki 2898 AD. The announcement has sparked intense discussion among fans, particularly because the statement openly underlined the importance of “commitment” required for a project of such magnitude.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time the actress has parted ways with a big Prabhas project. She was earlier cast opposite him in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit, but reports suggested that she was dropped after the makers expressed reservations over her insistence on an eight-hour shift cap.