Deepika Padukone exits Kalki 2898 AD sequel; makers cite “lack of partnership.”
Second major walkout after Spirit, fuels rumours of a rift with Prabhas.
Fans speculate between creative disputes and her focus on motherhood; no statement from Deepika yet.
Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has once again become the talk of the town after the makers of Kalki 2898 AD officially announced that they had parted ways and that the actress would not be part of the sequel. The announcement, made via the production company’s official X handle, came as a shock to fans since she played a crucial role in the first instalment of the sci-fi epic.
The makers wrote in their statement, “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.” They also stated that there was a lack of “partnership” between them, emphasizing that “the film deserves commitment and much more.” They ended the tweet by wishing her luck with her upcoming projects. The choice of words led to widespread speculation among netizens, dividing opinion between an amicable exit and the possibility of a serious conflict.
The first Kalki 2898 AD movie revolved around Deepika’s character, SUM-80 or Sumathi, who carried the divine pregnancy that would eventually give birth to Vishnu’s prophesied tenth avatar, Kalki. Inspired by the Hindu epic Mahabharata, the film featured a star-studded cast including Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Kamal Hasan, and Disha Patani.
Deepika’s character was at the centre of the narrative, as the plot focused on protecting her and the unborn Kalki avatar to ensure his safe birth into the world, destined to restore faith and goodness. Her absence from the sequel seems particularly unexpected and challenging since it was expected to expand on her journey and its consequences. Fans are disappointed, as many had been eagerly awaiting the sequel after the first film impressed audiences.
This is the second time that Deepika has exited a high-budget production featuring Prabhas this year. She had earlier stepped away from Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. That was a messy exit, following rumors of disagreements over long working hours, her refusal to deliver Telugu dialogues, and discomfort with bold scenes in the script. Director Vanga accused her of engaging in “dirty PR games” and swiftly replaced her with Tripti Dimri.
These incidents have created the impression that the actress and her collaborators, particularly Prabhas, have had frequent disagreements, although both celebrities have previously denied rumours of a rift. Deepika’s departure from the Kalki sequel has reignited speculation with renewed intensity, highlighting their possibly unresolved differences.
There is also speculation surrounding Deepika’s changing priorities since the birth of her daughter, Dua. At a recent meet-and-greet event with her husband, Ranveer Singh, she candidly admitted that she is prioritizing her child to ensure she is present during her early years. This has led many to believe that she is intentionally scaling back her workload to focus on her new role as a mother. Netizens have speculated that her decision to walk away from projects may be driven more by personal commitments than professional disputes.
Notably, Deepika herself has not made any official announcement regarding her exit from the Kalki sequel, a stark contrast to her earlier very public fallout with Spirit. She has chosen to remain silent, leaving her side of the story open to speculation. Her recent public remarks suggest that she may justify the decision as prioritizing her family over her career. Others believe she may issue a clarification later if rumours of unprofessionalism begin to dominate the conversation.
However, the departure may pose a serious creative challenge, as the filmmakers may have to rewrite Deepika’s character for Indian cinema’s most ambitious project. The sequel must now find a way to fill the gap left behind by the actress, whether by casting another star or rewriting the script entirely.
Netizens’ interest is at its peak, as this is not only about the loss of a beloved character but also about another addition to the ongoing saga of Deepika’s high-profile departures. This year, Deepika Padukone’s exit has taken center stage, whether due to ego conflicts, a rift with her co-stars, or a deliberate decision to devote more time to herself and her family, especially her daughter. [Rh/SY]
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