Deepika Padukone’s Exit from Kalki 2898 AD Sequel Sparks Debate
Deepika Padukone’s exit from the Kalki 2898 AD sequel has ignited speculation. Reports cite fee hikes, entourage demands, and limited schedules, while director Nag Ashwin’s cryptic note added further intrigue to the controversy.
Hours after Vyjayanthi Movies officially confirmed Deepika Padukone’s departure from the highly anticipated Kalki 2898 AD sequel, director Nag Ashwin posted an enigmatic note on Instagram Stories. He shared a fan edit of Krishna’s grand entry from the first installment, captioned, "You can't change what happened, but you can choose what happens next." The cryptic post went viral instantly, fueling conjecture about whether it was his oblique reaction to Deepika’s controversial exit.
Why Did Deepika Leave the Project?
For months, whispers circulated about Deepika’s uncertain involvement in the sequel. On September 18, Vyjayanthi Movies ended the suspense through an official post X: "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."
The note further added: "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 projects."
The announcement evoked memories of May, when Deepika stepped away from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit due to disputes over an eight-hour work demand, revenue-sharing clauses, and reluctance to deliver dialogues in Telugu.
The Core Disagreements
This time, speculation suggests that Deepika requested a 25 percent fee hike, amounting to Rs 25 crore more than her remuneration for the first film. She reportedly demanded five-star accommodations for her 25-member entourage, in addition to limiting her daily schedule to a 7-hour window. Producers allegedly counter-offered a luxury vanity setup in exchange for longer hours, but she refused.
A source revealed to NDTV: "Deepika Padukone wanted a 25 percent increase in her acting fee compared to what she earned for the first part of the film. Additionally, she insisted on limiting her daily shooting schedule to a 7-hour shift. The producers offered her the convenience of a luxury vanity for rest periods in exchange for longer working hours, but she declined. She wanted 5-star stays for her 25-person crew. There were just too many demands. This raised concerns among producers who questioned why they should bear additional costs beyond the actor's fees."
Deepika has not yet issued any rebuttal to these claims.
About the Kalki Franchise
In the initial chapter of the sci-fi epic, Deepika portrayed Sumathi, a pregnant woman pivotal to the storyline. With a stellar lineup including Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, and Disha Patani, the film was crafted on a staggering budget of Rs 600 crore. Its box-office conquest surpassed Rs 1000 crore, solidifying its place as a cinematic juggernaut.
