In a move that surprised many, the makers of Kalki 2898 AD officially announced that Deepika Padukone will not return for the highly anticipated sequel of the sci-fi spectacle.
The statement, shared on social media, read, “This is to officially announce that @deepikapadukone will not be a part of the upcoming sequel of Kalki 2898 AD. 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 deserves that commitment and much more. We wish her the best with her future works.”
Padukone’s exit comes as a jolt to fans of the franchise, especially since her role of Sumathi being central to the story’s emotional core. Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin and produced by Vyjayanthi Movies, grossed a whopping Rs 1,200 crore worldwide, cementing itself as one of Indian cinema’s highest earners.
A similar situation happened with Prabhas’ another film, Spirit, helmed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga which is yet to go on floors. Deepika was initially approached for the lead but the Vanga and the actor parted ways with a loud, public spat where the director called her out for “Playing dirty PR games.” Later, Triptii Dimri was announced as the female lead.
The Kalki universe itself remains solid, with Amitabh Bachchan’s powerhouse portrayal of Ashwaththama and Kamal Haasan’s chilling turn as the enigmatic Supreme Leader still intact. In the first instalment, Prabhas’ bounty hunter Bhairava navigated a dystopian world stripped of natural resources, ruled by elites living in the Complex. The sequel is expected to expand this mytho-sci-fi universe, with more characters and conflicts teased by the makers.
Producers Ashwini Dutt, Swapna Dutt and Priyanka Dutt are said to be scouting for a new female lead to carry the sequel forward. Given the mammoth success of Kalki 2898 AD, expectations are sky-high, and the replacement announcement will be watched closely.
