Deepika Padukone Pooja Hegde news of Kalki 2898 AD replacement has surprised fans of Indian cinema. Vyjayanthi Movies officially announced that Deepika Padukone will not be a part of the sequel of Kalki 2898 AD. The decision came after several disputes regarding pay, working conditions, and scheduling.
According to reports, Deepika charged nearly ₹20 crore for the first part of Kalki 2898 AD. For the sequel, her demand reportedly increased to ₹25–30 crore. Along with this, she insisted on working only seven to eight hours per day and requested that the producers cover the full expenses of her 25-member team, including travel, food, and accommodation. (Deepika Padukone Kalki 2898 AD: Why She Dropped from Sequel)
Deepika Padukone Sequel Exit: Reasons Behind It
This is not the first time such issues have surrounded Deepika. Earlier, she had a major clash with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga during his film Spirit. The disagreement arose because Deepika wanted limited working hours, something Vanga found impractical for a big-budget project. Eventually, she was dropped from Spirit and replaced by actress Triptii Dimri. (The Daily Guardian)
The Deepika Padukone controversy over her eight-hour shift condition has divided the film industry. Some insiders supported her focus on work-life balance, while others criticized her for being rigid in an industry where flexible, long shooting hours are often required.
Kalki 2898 AD Sequel Cast: Why Pooja Hegde?
In Kalki 2898 AD, Deepika’s role as Sumati was one of the most crucial characters, as she carried the child destined to be the Kalki avatar. Replacing such an important character is not an easy decision for any filmmaker. Yet, reports suggest that Pooja Hegde is stepping in as the new lead actress.
Interestingly, a report by DivorceShadis.com mentioned that Pooja Hegde was originally the first choice for the film before Deepika was finalized. Given this, her casting in the sequel seems like a natural return to the makers’ initial preference.
Can Pooja Hegde Match Deepika Padukone’s Aura?
The big question is whether Pooja Hegde can live up to the level of Deepika Padukone. Deepika, with global recognition and luxury brand endorsements, has a unique aura that few actresses can match. Her presence in films like Padmaavat, Chennai Express, and Pathaan elevated her to Bollywood’s top tier.
Pooja Hegde, on the other hand, has proved her talent in several South Indian blockbusters and Hindi films. With her charm, acting skills, and pan-India appeal, she is a strong contender to fill the space left by Deepika. However, audience comparison is inevitable when a star of Deepika’s stature is replaced.
Future of Kalki 2898 AD
Kalki 2898 AD remains one of the most ambitious projects in Indian cinema. The first part earned over ₹1,000 crore globally and was praised for its visuals, storytelling, and star power. With Amitabh Bachchan as Ashwatthama, Prabhas as Bhairava, and Kamal Haasan as Supreme Yaskin, the sequel still holds immense promise.
But the Deepika Padukone sequel exit and her replacement by Pooja Hegde will surely be one of the most debated topics in Bollywood for months to come. Whether this change strengthens the film or leaves a void will only be answered when the sequel hits theaters.
