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What is the story about?
The futuristic epic Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin, will no longer feature Deepika Padukone. Despite collaborating on the first film, the film's producer, Vyjayanthi Movies, announced that they were unable to develop ‘a partnership’ with Padukone that meets the requirements of the sequel, resulting in a difficult split.
In an official statement shared via X (formerly Twitter), the production house said:
“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.”
Padukone portrayed Sumathi, or SUM-80, in the 2024 film, Kalki 2898 AD. Sumathi's pregnancy with Kalki's avatar—the final incarnation of Lord Vishnu that was predicted in that apocalyptic future—makes her play a crucial role.
The Bollywood actress’s exit follows her previous withdrawal from director
Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit, another popular initiative, which was reportedly caused by conflicts over the work schedule, profit-sharing compensation, and other contractual provisions.
“Why? Why? Don't ruin a generational sequel,” one X user commented.
“Nag Ashwin should be ready to face the music from Deepika fans,” read another comment.
“I don't think it's the effect of Prabhas/Spirit, it might be something else,” another assumed.
Nag Ashwin previously stated that "if all goes well" the sequel should begin production by the end of 2025. Although the precise cause of the partnership's collapse has not been revealed, sources speculate that discussions on commitment, working hours, creative control, and other contractual provisions might have played a role.
Padukone has been on maternity leave after becoming a mother last year, and her daughter Dua turned one this September. The actress reportedly requested an eight-hour shift as one of her demands to balance her professional and personal lives and spend more time with her baby.
However, the director apparently did not approve of working an eight-hour shift, according to The Times of India.
Ashwin is the writer and director of the mythical science fiction movie Kalki 2898 AD. Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani are among the ensemble cast members of the original movie.
The movie is based on the Hindu epic Mahabharata and takes place in a dystopian society in 2898 AD.
In an official statement shared via X (formerly Twitter), the production house said:
“This is to officially announce that @deepikapadukone will not be a part of the upcoming sequel of #
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
Padukone portrayed Sumathi, or SUM-80, in the 2024 film, Kalki 2898 AD. Sumathi's pregnancy with Kalki's avatar—the final incarnation of Lord Vishnu that was predicted in that apocalyptic future—makes her play a crucial role.
The Bollywood actress’s exit follows her previous withdrawal from director
“Why? Why? Don't ruin a generational sequel,” one X user commented.
“Nag Ashwin should be ready to face the music from Deepika fans,” read another comment.
“I don't think it's the effect of Prabhas/Spirit, it might be something else,” another assumed.
Nag Ashwin previously stated that "if all goes well" the sequel should begin production by the end of 2025. Although the precise cause of the partnership's collapse has not been revealed, sources speculate that discussions on commitment, working hours, creative control, and other contractual provisions might have played a role.
Padukone has been on maternity leave after becoming a mother last year, and her daughter Dua turned one this September. The actress reportedly requested an eight-hour shift as one of her demands to balance her professional and personal lives and spend more time with her baby.
However, the director apparently did not approve of working an eight-hour shift, according to The Times of India.
Ashwin is the writer and director of the mythical science fiction movie Kalki 2898 AD. Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani are among the ensemble cast members of the original movie.
The movie is based on the Hindu epic Mahabharata and takes place in a dystopian society in 2898 AD.
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