Hyderabad, September 18, 2025 – Production house Vyjayanthi Movies confirmed on September 17, 2025, that Deepika Padukone will not reprise her role in the sequel to the 2024 film Kalki 2898 AD. The announcement stated that the parties could not establish a suitable partnership for the project.

The official statement from Vyjayanthi Movies on X read: “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. Despite the long journey of making the first film, we were unable to find a partnership. And a film like @Kalki2898AD deserves that commitment and much more. We wish her the best with her future works.”

Deepika Padukone portrayed Sumathi (SUM-80), a key character as the prophesied mother of Kalki, in the original film directed by Nag Ashwin. The sci-fi epic, inspired by the Mahabharata, featured Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Disha Patani, and grossed over ₹1,000 crore worldwide on a budget exceeding ₹700 crore.

The development follows reports of scheduling and contractual disagreements. In May 2025, Deepika was replaced in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit, another Prabhas project, due to her request for an 8-hour workday as a new mother, which limited effective shooting time to 6 hours. Triptii Dimri took over the role in Spirit.

Producers of Kalki 2898 AD indicated that 30-35% of the sequel had been shot by late 2024, with Deepika initially involved. The statement’s reference to “commitment” has drawn attention amid these prior reports.

Social Media Reactions and Industry Context

The announcement prompted immediate responses on X. Users expressed surprise and speculation, with one post stating: “Shocker 🤯 Deepika Padukone is dropped from the sequel to Prabhas-fronted Kalki 2898 AD.” Another noted: “Deepika Padukone officially dropped from ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ sequel; producers say film deserves ‘commitment’.” Netizens drew parallels to the Spirit controversy, commenting: “Looks like another Vanga-like fiasco.”

No official response from Deepika Padukone or her team has been issued as of September 18, 2025. The sequel’s production details, including a potential replacement cast, remain undisclosed. The original film’s success positioned it as a major franchise, with Prabhas expected to return in the lead role.

Key Details of the Controversy

• Announcement Date: September 17, 2025, via Vyjayanthi Movies’ X post.
• Reason Cited: Inability to find a partnership; film requires “total commitment.”
• Deepika’s Role in Original: Sumathi (SUM-80), the mother of Kalki.
• Prior Exit: Replaced in Spirit (May 2025) over 8-hour workday demands post-motherhood.
• Film Background: Kalki 2898 AD released in 2024; sequel partially shot (30-35%).
• Cast for Sequel: Prabhas confirmed to return; other details pending.
• Box Office of Original: Over ₹1,000 crore worldwide.