After the shocking announcement from Vyjayanthi Movies, the production house behind the blockbuster hit Kalki 2898 AD, Bollywood star Deepika Padukone will not be returning for the film's highly anticipated sequel.
The Official Announcement and its Aftermath
The news was first broken on social media by Vyjayanthi Movies, stating that they had "decided to part ways" with the actress. The statement alluded to an inability to "find a partnership," despite the long journey of making the first film, and emphasized that a franchise like Kalki 2898 AD "deserves that commitment and much more."
This development has sent shockwaves through the film industry and ignited widespread debate among fans and industry insiders. Padukone's exit from such a central role—she played the crucial character of Sumathi (Sum-80), whose unborn child is believed to be the final avatar of Lord Vishnu—has left many wondering how the story will continue without her.
Speculation Behind the Scenes
While the official statement was diplomatic, reports from various sources have offered a glimpse into the potential reasons for the split. A key factor appears to be a reported disagreement over working conditions and professional demands. This is not the first time Padukone has been in the news for such an issue. Her departure from filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit, another film starring Prabhas, earlier this year, was also rumored to be due to conflicts over her demands, including a shorter workday and a higher fee.
Sources close to the Kalki project suggest that Padukone's team had reportedly requested a significant fee increase and specific accommodations for her large entourage. These demands, including a 25 percent raise and five-star stays for a crew of 25 people, were reportedly a financial strain for the producers, who felt they were an unnecessary burden beyond the actor's salary.
The Director's Cryptic Response
Amidst the speculation, Kalki 2898 AD director Nag Ashwin posted a cryptic message on social media: "You can't change what happened but you can choose what happens next." While not directly addressing the controversy, many fans believe this is his way of acknowledging the situation and signaling a resolve to move forward with the franchise.
The Search for a New Lead
With Deepika Padukone's exit confirmed, the focus has now shifted to who will fill her shoes. Social media is abuzz with fan suggestions, with names like Anushka Shetty and Alia Bhatt being among the most popular choices. The casting for this pivotal role will be a major challenge for the makers, as Padukone's portrayal of Sumathi was widely praised.
This series of events has also sparked a larger conversation within the film industry about the evolving dynamics between actors and production houses. As actors like Padukone, who recently became a mother, prioritize work-life balance and other professional boundaries, it remains to be seen how the industry will adapt to these changing demands while continuing to create large-scale cinematic spectacles.