The makers of Kalki 2898 AD have confirmed that Deepika Padukone dropped from Kalki sequel after talks failed to secure her return. The announcement came from Vyjayanthi Movies, the production house behind the franchise.
In their official statement, the producers said that after “careful consideration” they decided to part ways with the actress. They noted that a project of this scale required full commitment, suggesting that scheduling and availability were key reasons behind the decision.
Deepika played the role of Sumathi in the original film, which was released earlier this year. While she praised her co-star Prabhas in several interviews, she will not be seen alongside him in the sequel.
The production house added that they are now looking for a replacement who can dedicate the required time to the big-budget project.
The development comes only months after reports that Deepika had opted out of another Prabhas-led project, Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. That decision was also linked to work-related demands and personal responsibilities.
The actress had filmed large portions of Kalki 2898 AD during her pregnancy, with her husband Ranveer Singh even joking that the film marked their child’s on-screen debut.
Kalki 2898 AD was produced on an estimated budget of over ₹700 crore, making it one of the most expensive Indian films ever. The movie performed strongly at the box office, crossing ₹1000 crore worldwide. It also marked a career revival for Prabhas, who had struggled to find a major hit for nearly a decade.
Deepika’s exit from the sequel has sparked discussion within the film industry and among fans. Questions remain about the “commitment” referred to in the official note, but no further details have been shared by the production house or the actress herself.
As the team moves ahead with the sequel, the focus now shifts to who will step into the role of Sumathi.
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