Bollywood fans woke up to shocking news as Deepika Padukone, who played a pivotal role in Kalki 2898 AD, has officially stepped away from its highly anticipated sequel. The announcement has left fans stunned, as her character SUM-80 was at the heart of the story. With the production house citing an inability to “find a partnership,” speculation about behind-the-scenes creative differences has only intensified.
Deepika Padukone Bows Out of Sci-Fi Sequel
In a surprising turn of events, Vyjayanthi Movies has officially confirmed that Deepika Padukone will not be a part of Kalki 2898 AD’s much-awaited sequel. The announcement was made via their social media handles, putting an end to months of speculation surrounding her involvement. The makers cited an inability to “find a partnership,” sparking curiosity about behind-the-scenes tensions.
Official Statement From the Makers
The production house’s note 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. A film like #Kalki2898AD deserves that commitment and much more.”
The pointed mention of “commitment” has fueled rumors that scheduling conflicts and creative differences played a key role in her exit.
Rumors of Creative Differences
Reports suggest that Deepika, who embraced motherhood in 2024, was seeking a more balanced work schedule with strict working hours. Insiders hint that these requirements may not have aligned with the demands of a high-scale project like Kalki 2898 AD. Interestingly, this isn’t the first time she has stepped away from a big film, with her earlier exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit also making headlines.
What Happens to Her Role Now?
Deepika’s character SUM-80 was central to the first film, carrying the unborn child believed to be Kalki — the final avatar of Lord Vishnu. With her exit, all eyes are now on who will replace her as the female lead. The casting announcement is expected to be one of the most talked-about updates in Indian cinema in the coming months.
Deepika Padukone’s Upcoming Projects
Even without Kalki 2898 AD 2, Deepika remains among the industry’s busiest stars. She is set to headline King opposite Shah Rukh Khan, along with other high-profile projects. Her exit may be a setback for fans of the Kalki franchise, but it is clear that her star power continues to dominate Bollywood.
