In a shocking development that has sent ripples through the film industry, Vyjayanthi Movies, the producers of the sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD, have officially announced that Deepika Padukone will not be a part of the film’s highly-anticipated sequel. The announcement, shared on the production house’s official social media handle on Thursday, stated that despite a long-standing partnership, they were “unable to find a partnership” for a film that “deserves that commitment and much more.”
While the official statement was diplomatically worded, multiple reliable trade sources have shed light on the alleged reasons behind the split. Reports suggest that the actress’s demands, including a substantial fee hike, limited working hours, and a large entourage, led to a breakdown in negotiations, forcing the makers to take the difficult decision.
A Shocking Announcement from the Makers
The news has left fans of the global blockbuster stunned. Deepika Padukone’s character, Sumathi, was central to the plot of the first film, with the entire narrative revolving around protecting her as the mother of the prophesied Kalki. Her departure creates a significant casting challenge and a major creative hurdle for the film’s sequel, which is expected to begin production soon.
The official statement from Vyjayanthi Movies 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 works.” The firm tone of the statement, while wishing her well, hinted at the seriousness of the disagreement that led to the split.
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
The Allegations Behind the Exit
According to sources cited by leading entertainment portals, the disagreement stemmed from several demands made by the actress’s team for the sequel. A primary sticking point was reportedly a 25% increase in her fee, bringing her remuneration for the sequel to a whopping ₹25 crore, up from the ₹20 crore she was allegedly paid for the first film.
Beyond the financial demands, sources claim the actress insisted on a strict 7-hour workday. Given that a film of Kalki‘s scale is VFX-heavy and requires extensive and often long shooting hours, this demand was reportedly a major issue for the producers. The sources further revealed that the producers even offered her a luxurious vanity van for rest in exchange for longer hours, but her team remained firm. Furthermore, her team’s demand for five-star accommodation and food reimbursement for an entourage of nearly 25 staff members reportedly added to the producers’ frustration. This is a common point of contention in the industry, with producers often questioning the need to bear these costs on top of a star’s already hefty fee.
A History of Complex Negotiations
This is not the first time that Deepika Padukone has reportedly been at the centre of such a casting controversy. Similar issues were reported earlier this year during the casting process for director Sandeep Reddy Vanga‘s film Spirit, also starring Prabhas. Sources from that film’s production had claimed that she had put forward demands for a limited workday and a massive fee hike, which ultimately led to her exit from that project. The alleged issues, which also included a demand for a profit share and a refusal to speak Telugu dialogues, created a buzz in the industry and raised questions about her negotiation style.
With two major back-to-back exits from highly-anticipated, big-budget films, the incident has sparked a debate about the balance between an actor’s personal demands and the collaborative nature required for filmmaking. While many fans have voiced support for her as a new mother prioritizing a work-life balance, trade analysts have noted that such rigid demands can often be a deal-breaker for ambitious projects that require immense commitment.
The exit of a of Deepika Padukone from a major franchise like Kalki will be a massive blow to the makers. Her presence was a huge draw, especially in the Hindi belt. Speculation is now rife about who will be cast to replace her as the central character, with some reports even hinting at a major Hollywood star being approached for the role. The decision will be critical for the franchise’s future, as the new actor will have to fill a role that is integral to the film’s narrative.
