September 18, 2025: In a surprising move, Vyjayanthi Movies has confirmed that Deepika Padukone will not be reprising her role in the much-anticipated Kalki 2898 AD sequel. The production house issued a statement explaining that despite extensive collaboration on the first film, they were unable to secure a partnership with the actress for the follow-up.
While no specific reasons were disclosed, the studio emphasized the importance of full commitment to a project of this magnitude, stating, “A film like Kalki deserves dedication, and we couldn’t find that partnership.”
In the first film, Deepika played the role of SUM-80, the prophesied mother of Kalki, as well as a subject in Project K. Reports indicate that she was pregnant while filming the original, adding an emotional layer to her character.
Kalki Makers Vyjayanthi Movies Cuts Ties with Deepika Padukone Due to Commitment Issues
Interestingly, this exit from the Kalki franchise follows a similar incident earlier this year, when Deepika Padukone also chose to walk out of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film Spirit. Reports suggest that Padukone and the director had differences over work hours, remuneration, and profit-sharing agreements, with the actress reportedly requesting an eight-hour work schedule.
Despite these setbacks, fans of the actress and the Kalki franchise will be eagerly watching for further developments regarding the sequel, with a possible new cast member set to fill the void left by Deepika’s exit.
This marks a significant shift for the Kalki franchise, with production set to begin later this year. Fans of Deepika Padukone, who played the pivotal role of SUM-80 in the original, are now left wondering who will fill her shoes in the next chapter.