In a surprising turn of events, the producers of the ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ sequel have confirmed that actress Deepika Padukone will not be reprising her role. The futuristic action-drama, directed by Nag Ashwin, features Prabhas in the lead.
Vyjayanthi Movies took to their social media channels to issue an official statement, explaining that they were “unable to find a partnership” with Deepika Padukone. The production house’s message read: “This is to officially announce that Deepika Padukone will not be part of the upcoming sequel of Kalki 2898 AD.”
They elaborated on their decision: “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 needs that much commitment and much more. We wish her the best with her future works.”
In the first installment, which premiered on June 27, 2024, Deepika portrayed a lab subject longing for a better life and the experience of motherhood. The movie, also featuring stellar performances from Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Shobhana, skillfully merged elements from the Mahabharata with a dark, futuristic science-fiction narrative.
This announcement follows a recent controversy involving Deepika in June 2024. While on maternity leave, reports emerged of a fallout with the creators of ‘Spirit,’ a film also starring Prabhas and directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Speculations suggested that Deepika had requested an eight-hour work shift and a 10% share of the film’s profits. The actress, who is married to Ranveer Singh, welcomed a baby girl on September 8, 2024.
Beyond these industry discussions, Deepika is currently engrossed in director Atlee’s upcoming magnum opus alongside Allu Arjun. In this grand cinematic spectacle, she is slated to embody a formidable warrior queen. Sun Pictures, the production banner, recently unveiled her casting with behind-the-scenes glimpses from the set of this pan-Indian film.