Kalki 2898 AD director Nag Ashwin has finally addressed rumours surrounding Alia Bhatt’s casting in his film. Recently, the filmmaker dismissed all speculations and answered if Alia Bhatt is replacing
Deepika Padukone in his movie. Ashwin clarified that nothing is confirmed as of now and shared that if they decide on something, he will make an official announcement.
“We need to announce who plays Sumathi character in Kalki 2. As of now everything is speculation only. Character will be there for sure which we can’t remove as it’s a very important character,” Nag Ashwin said.
This comes a day after a report by Aakashavaani and Telugu Chitraalu claimed that Alia Bhatt, who is currently busy promoting her upcoming film, Alpha, has joined Prabhas’ Kalki 2. Reports suggested that Alia has already come on board the project and has joined the cast during the film’s second shooting schedule. It was also said that the actress shot for around five days in Hyderabad last month.
Kalki 2 Makers Announce Deepika’s Exit
In September 2025, the makers of Prabhas starrer took to their official X handle and announced Deepika’s exit from the film. The announcement stated that Deepika is no longer a part of the project because a film like Kalki “deserves commitment”.
“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,” it read.
Later, several reports claimed that Kalki 2 makers decided to drop Deepika since she was demanding a 25 per cent hike in her fees with a 7-hour work shift. Reportedly, the makers tried to negotiate these two demands of the actress with her, but she remained rigid.
Deepika Padukone Addressed Kalki 2 Exit
Weeks after her exit from Kalki 2, Deepika Padukone spoke exclusively to CNBC-TV18 when she addressed the ongoing debate surrounding working conditions and pay parity in Bollywood and said, “I have done this at many levels; this is not new to me. I think, even as far as pay is concerned, I have had to deal with whatever comes with it. I don’t even know what to call it, but I am someone who has always fought my battles silently. And for some strange reason, sometimes they become public which is not the way I know and not the way I’ve been brought up. But yes, to fight my battles silently and in a dignified way is the way I know.”
