After exiting from Spirit, Deepika Padukone is no longer a part of Prabhas-Amitabh Bachchan’s Kalki 2898 AD sequel

Vyjayanthi Movies, the banner behind Prabhas’ Kalki 2898 AD, officially confirmed that Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone will not be part of the film’s upcoming sequel. The production house said that despite her key role in the first film, they were unable to “find a partnership” with her for the next installment.

What did the makers say?

The makers took to their X account and released a statement emphasizing that Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan starrer Kalki 2898 AD is a large‑scale project that demands “commitment and much more,” and they feel they could not reach terms that matched those requirements. They wrote, “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 Kalki 2898 AD deserves that commitment and much more. We wish her the best with her future work.

For the unversed, In the original Kalki 2898 AD, Deepika Padukone played Sumathi (SUM‑80), a crucial character who was pregnant with the avatar of Kalki. Her character was central to the storyline, and many fans believed her return would be important for the sequel’s emotional arc.

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…

— Vyjayanthi Movies (@VyjayanthiFilms) September 18, 2025

What could be the reason behind this exit?

Though the makers did not detail every issue, they hinted that the exit was partly due to scheduling conflicts and alignment of expectations. Deepika’s departure comes at a time when she has embraced motherhood, and conversations around her availability had already been ongoing. Additionally, there is speculation that her possible involvement in a massive upcoming project with Allu Arjun and director Atlee could have played a role in her stepping away from Kalki 2.

However, months back Deepika Padukone was initially associated with two films, Kalki 2898 AD and Spirit both, but she exited Spirit amid controversy involving reported clashes with the director Sandeep Reddy Vanga and creative differences, which led to her stepping away from the project. Later, Vanga assured fans that the film will continue with a strong cast and creative vision, aiming to meet high expectations without letting the controversy affect the project’s progress and replaced Deepika with Triptii Dimri.

Story Highlights

1. Vyjayanthi Movies confirmed Deepika Padukone will not return for Kalki 2898 AD sequel due to lack of “partnership” and commitment concerns.
2. Deepika played a crucial character, Sumathi, in the first film, central to the story’s emotional core.
3. Scheduling conflicts and her new motherhood, along with a big project with Allu Arjun and Atlee, are believed to have influenced her exit.
4. Deepika also left Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit earlier amid reported creative differences and clashes with the director; she was replaced by Triptii Dimri.

Deepika Padukone’s exit from the Kalki 2898 AD sequel highlights the challenges actors face balancing large-scale projects and personal commitments.