Deepika Padukone’s Exit from Kalki 2898 AD Sequel: Fee Hike Reports, Fan Reactions, and the Big Question—Who Will Replace Her?
Deepika Padukone, one of Bollywood’s biggest stars, has found herself at the center of heated discussions after being dropped from the sequel of Kalki 2898 AD, the Nag Ashwin-directed sci-fi spectacle that broke records in 2024. The announcement has not only shocked fans but also sparked debates across social media, with reports suggesting financial disagreements and work-hour demands may have contributed to the fallout.
Official Statement: “The Film Deserves Commitment”
On September 18, production house Vyjayanthi Movies took to social media to confirm Deepika’s exit from the sequel. Their note 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.”
The statement, though polite, hinted at underlying creative or professional disagreements.
This is to officially announce that @deepikapadukone will not be a part of the upcoming sequel of #Kalki2898AD.
— Vyjayanthi Movies (@VyjayanthiFilms) September 18, 2025
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…
Behind the Scenes: Fee Hikes and Special Demands
While the official announcement avoided specifics, industry chatter paints a different picture. According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, Deepika had asked for a 25% fee hike compared to her first film and limited her work schedule to just seven hours per day.
Given the film’s VFX-heavy nature, such restrictions reportedly pushed the budget upward. Producers even offered her a luxury vanity to rest between shots, but the actor’s team allegedly stood firm.
In addition, her entourage of nearly 25 members demanded five-star accommodation and food reimbursements—costs that the producers felt were beyond reasonable, especially when lead actor Prabhas himself hadn’t asked for a fee increase.
A source close to the production noted, “Why should the producers bear such additional expenses beyond her agreed fees? This has been a recurring challenge even for Hindi filmmakers.”
Social Media Divided: Support vs. Criticism
As soon as the news broke, fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) with opinions.
- Supporters defended the actress, calling it the makers’ loss. “Good for Deepika, she should focus on better projects,” one user wrote.
- Others sided with Vyjayanthi Movies, praising them for prioritizing commitment. “Never run after Bollywood actors. Tollywood actors always give 100%,” another user posted.
- A section of fans expressed disappointment, fearing her absence would impact the sequel’s story. One comment read, “Deepika’s character was central. This will affect the entire narrative.”
Who Will Replace Deepika Padukone?
The biggest question now looming over the project is: Who will step into her role?
Fans are already busy speculating. Some want Alia Bhatt to join the franchise, even sharing AI-generated edits of her in Deepika’s character look. Others are rooting for Anushka Shetty, hoping to see her reunite with Prabhas after their Baahubali chemistry.
Surprisingly, a few even floated the name of Hollywood star Sydney Sweeney, following recent rumors of her Bollywood debut.
For now, the casting decision remains under wraps, but all eyes are on Nag Ashwin and his team to see who will carry forward the legacy of SUM-80 (Deepika’s character).
Déjà Vu: Exit from Spirit Before Kalki 2
This isn’t the first time in 2025 that Deepika has walked away from (or been replaced in) a major project. Earlier this year, she exited Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit, also starring Prabhas.
Reports claimed she asked for profit-sharing, restricted work hours, and declined to dub in Telugu—conditions the director was unwilling to compromise on. Triptii Dimri has since replaced her.
The back-to-back exits have fueled speculation about whether Deepika is reprioritizing her career following the birth of her daughter Dua, or if her negotiations have simply clashed with the expectations of big-budget filmmakers.
What’s Next for Kalki 2898 AD 2?
The sequel is expected to be even bigger in scale, with director Nag Ashwin hinting at pre-visualized action sequences “much larger” than the first. However, replacing Deepika poses a major challenge.
Her character was central to Kalki 2898 AD, which grossed over ₹1,100 crore worldwide and was hailed as India’s most expensive film ever made. With her out of the sequel, the filmmakers must ensure the narrative continues to resonate with audiences who had connected deeply with her role.
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