The news of Deepika Padukone Kalki 2898 AD exit has left fans shocked across India and worldwide. Kalki 2898 AD, regarded as one of the biggest Indian films ever made, won audience hearts with its stellar star cast, massive budget, and breathtaking VFX. With a production budget of nearly ₹600 crore, the film went on to earn over ₹1,000–1,100 crore globally.
Naturally, expectations for the sequel were sky-high. However, Vyjayanthi Movies officially announced on their X handle that Deepika would not be part of the second installment.
Why Deepika’s Role Was So Crucial
In the first film, Amitabh Bachchan played Ashwatthama, Prabhas starred as the bounty hunter Bhairava, and Kamal Haasan appeared as the powerful Supreme Yaskin. Deepika Padukone, however, was central to the plot as Sumati — the woman destined to give birth to the avatar of Kalki.
Given how pivotal her role was, her absence from the sequel has raised eyebrows.
Reasons Behind Deepika Padukone Sequel Exit
Reports suggest that Deepika’s reduced work schedule after the birth of her daughter played a major role. Multiple media outlets confirmed that she now insists on working only eight-hour shifts. A condition that has created friction with filmmakers handling big-budget projects.
This “8-hour shift clause” was also the root of her controversy with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Who had initially signed her for his film Spirit. According to industry reports, Deepika wanted limited hours, while Vanga demanded full-time commitment for such a high-scale project. Eventually, she was replaced by actress Triptii Dimri. (The Daily Guardian)
The same pattern seems to have repeated with the Deepika Padukone Kalki 2898 AD sequel exit. For a franchise of this scale, where sets, VFX teams, and global schedules are involved, partial commitments were simply not feasible.
Industry Reaction to Deepika Padukone Dropped
Deepika Padukone is undoubtedly one of India’s biggest actresses. With mega hits like Pathaan, Chennai Express, Padmaavat, and Jawan under her belt. She also became the face of luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci. But industry insiders believe her approach could be hurting her career.
While some fans support her for prioritizing family and balance, others argue that Bollywood’s demanding schedules leave little room for such conditions. Filmmakers and trade experts warn that if she continues down this path, she risks losing out on more big-budget films.
The Bigger Picture for Kalki 2898 AD
The makers of Kalki 2898 AD are already exploring new casting options. With Amitabh Bachchan, Prabhas, and Kamal Haasan returning, the sequel still holds immense potential. Yet, Deepika’s absence will undeniably be felt, given how crucial her character was to the story.
In conclusion, the Deepika Padukone controversy around work schedules and commitment has now cost her two massive films in quick succession. For a superstar of her stature, it raises a critical question: will she adapt to the industry’s demands, or risk fading from the top spot she fought hard to secure?
read this also- Is Deepika Padukone’s Bollywood Career Really Over? The Real Story Behind the Rumors
