Is Alia Bhatt Replacing Deepika Padukone In Prabhas’ Kalki 2898 AD Sequel? Here’s What We Know

After the massive success of Kalki 2898 AD in 2024, the makers of the sci-fi epic are already gearing up for the next chapter in Nag Ashwin’s ambitious cinematic universe. However, the sequel seems to

be taking a major casting turn. Deepika Padukone, who played the pivotal role of Sumathi in the first part, will reportedly not be returning for future installments — and if reports are to be believed, Alia Bhatt may be stepping in to fill her place.

Alia Bhatt to Step Into Deepika Padukone’s Role?

According to a report by Lets Cinema, Alia Bhatt has emerged as the top contender to play Sumathi in Kalki 2898 AD Part 2. While official confirmation from the production team is still awaited, industry buzz suggests that Alia is currently in advanced talks with the filmmakers.

The makers recently issued an official statement confirming Deepika Padukone’s departure from the project, citing creative and commitment-related differences. Their statement read, “This is to officially announce that Deepika Padukone will not be a part of the upcoming sequel of Kalki 2898 AD. 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 works.”

If finalized, Alia Bhatt’s inclusion in the Kalki 2898 AD universe would mark her first collaboration with Prabhas and director Nag Ashwin, and could bring a fresh energy to the already star-studded saga.

About Kalki 2898 AD

Directed by Nag Ashwin, Kalki 2898 AD unfolds in a dystopian future set thousands of years after the Mahabharata’s Kurukshetra War. The story begins in 3102 BC, at the dawn of the Kali Yuga, when Lord Krishna entrusts Ashwatthama with protecting Vishnu’s final avatar, who is destined to appear when darkness consumes humanity.

Fast forward to 2898 AD — the Earth has become a desolate, authoritarian wasteland ruled by Supreme Yaskin, a self-proclaimed god who controls access to the utopian land known as the Complex. Amid this bleak world, hope takes birth in Sumathi, also known as SUM-80, an unborn child prophesied to change the course of humankind.

The film stars Prabhas in the lead role alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Deepika Padukone. With Alia Bhatt potentially joining the sequel, the Kalki universe seems poised to expand even further, setting the stage for one of Indian cinema’s most anticipated continuations.