While fans were still buzzing about Deepika Padukone’s cliffhanger twist in Kalki 2898 AD – where her character was pregnant and set up for a massive arc in Part 2 – the makers have now dropped a shocker. They’ve officially confirmed that Deepika Padukone will NOT be returning for the sequel. Our leading lady has walked away, and rumours are exploding.
Deepika Padukone & Kalki 2898 AD Go Separate Ways
The production house, Vyjayanthi Films, made it crystal clear – after “much thought,” they’ve parted ways with Deepika. Their official note read polite, classy, and full of best wishes. But behind that sugar-coated statement, whispers of disagreements, negotiations gone wrong, and sky-high demands are running wild.
The post read, “This is to officially announce that Deepika Padukone will not be part of the upcoming sequel. After much thought, we decided to part ways. A film like Kalki 2898 AD needs full dedication, and unfortunately, we couldn’t align our vision.”
This is to officially announce that @deepikapadukone will not be a part of the upcoming sequel of #Kalki2898AD.
— Vyjayanthi Movies (@VyjayanthiFilms) September 18, 2025
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…
Maternity Glow But Movie No-Go
Deepika is currently still in her maternity phase after expecting her first baby with Ranveer Singh. While fans thought she’d return post-motherhood with a bang in Kalki 2, it turns out her comeback is reserved for other biggies like SRK’s King and Atlee’s project with Allu Arjun. Clearly, she’s choosing her scripts and schedules very carefully now.
Is this the reason why Deepika QUIT Kalki 2898 AD?
Reports claim that the fallout had less to do with motherhood and more to do with moolah. Apparently, Deepika asked for a 25% hike on her original fee. While Prabhas, the film’s leading man, allegedly didn’t push for more money, Deepika wasn’t budging an inch on her revised paycheck. The makers? Not impressed. She also wanted a strict 7-hour workday cap.
A close source to Bollywood Hungama revealed, “Deepika Padukone demanded a 25 per cent raise on her original acting fee for the first part of the film. Additionally, she insisted on a strict 7-hour shooting schedule. Since Kalki 2898 AD is heavily reliant on VFX, such short shooting hours could have increased production costs significantly. The producers offered her a luxury vanity for rest in exchange for longer shoot hours, but she declined. They also tried to negotiate her fees, noting that even Prabhas did not request an increase, but her team refused to compromise on either front,” a source close to the project revealed to Bollywood Hungama.
True or not?
Here’s where it gets extra juicy: DP’s entourage. She apparently rolls with a crew of nearly 25 people – stylists, assistants, makeup artists, trainers, and more. Producers were allegedly asked to provide five-star stays + food reimbursements for the entire team. The makers’ reaction? A big fat nope. This demand, insiders say, was the final straw.
“Deepika’s entourage is quite large, with nearly 25 members accompanying her on set. They demanded five-star lodging and reimbursement for meals throughout the shoot. Why should the producers bear the cost of her team’s stay and food over and above her acting fees? This is a common issue faced by many Hindi film producers,” the insider added.
History Repeats Itself? Exit from Prabhas starrer Spirit
If this story sounds familiar, that’s because it is. Deepika had earlier walked away from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit (also with Prabhas), citing “differences.” Back then, too, the chatter was about salary hikes, shorter hours, and profit shares. Looks like DP is drawing her career lines sharper than ever, especially as she prepares for a new chapter as a mom.
Who’s Replacing Her In Kalki 2?
Now the big question – who steps into Deepika’s role in the sequel? Fans are tossing names like Triptii Dimri, who has already bagged Spirit after Deepika’s exit. Whoever it is, they’ll have some gigantic shoes to fill, because Deepika’s part wasn’t just another role, it was central to the film’s plot.
About Kalki 2898 AD
For the uninitiated, Kalki 2898 AD is Nag Ashwin’s epic dystopian sci-fi meets mythology spectacle. Starring Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani, it reimagines the future in the year 2898 AD where the fate of the world lies in the hands of a yet-to-be-born child believed to be Kalki. The sequel was supposed to dive even deeper into that universe, minus Deepika now.
Deepika’s departure is giving fans mixed feelings – some say “queen knows her worth,” while others call it “unrealistic diva demands.” Whatever side you’re on, one thing is certain: Kalki 2898 AD 2 will feel very different without her presence.
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