Deepika Padukone’s record of big-budget films appears to have encountered another stumbling hurdle. Following her departure from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit earlier this year, the actor has now been formally dismissed from Kalki 2898 AD’s sequel. Vyjayanthi Movies announced the development in a statement on X today, September 18. The note stated, “This is to officially declare that @deepikapadukone will not be a part of the future sequel to #Kalki2898AD. After due contemplation, we have decided to split ways. Despite the lengthy process of filming the first film, we were unable to form a partnership. And a film like @Kalki2898AD merits that dedication and much more. We wish her the best in her future endeavors.”
Netizens think about the real reason Deepika was dumped.
The move triggered an immediate flurry of internet responses, with netizens questioning why an actor who played such an important role in the first film was abruptly removed from the sequel. One admirer simply asked, “Why? Provide valid justifications for her significant involvement in Kalki. Another user shared the confusion, adding, “After Spirit, Deepika Padukone withdrawn from another high budget movie from Telugu Industry…!! “What is the true story behind these removals?”
Many people hypothesized about underlying tensions. One comment read, “I’m not sure what’s going so wrong with #DeepikaPadukone. Is she making unreasonable demands or not providing adequate days? Or is she asking for an extravagant sum of money as compensation? Whatever it is. This reflects extremely poorly on @deepikapadukone that, following #SandeepVanga, another well-known South production firm has dropped her from their film. The optics are bad. Deepika must come out and clear everything honestly, else her career would be permanently stalled.”
Others were more concerned with the tale itself, mentioning how important her character was in the first chapter. As one user put it, “But the entire film is based around her—the whole tale is about preserving her! If her removal has no impact on the script’s core, it’s acceptable, because the #Kalki2898AD sequel can be ranked either #1 or #2 in terms of box office potential.” Another said, “Isn’t she at the center of the cat-and-mouse game? I wonder how a sequel will turn out without her as a crucial character.”
Of course, there were theories about why she left. One person commented, “Jyada paise maang liye lagta hai,” while another queried, “Why is it because of the number of hours per day again?” There was also talk of a falling out with her co-star: “Before #Spirit and now Kalki 2, I think things are not going well b/w Prabhas and her.” Another commenter offered a clearer perspective: “First #Spirit, now #Kalki2898AD sequel.” Deepika Padukone has left Prabhas films on consecutive occasions. “Is this about ‘commitment’ or serious behind-the-scenes drama?”
Meanwhile, speculation about potential replacements accelerated. Some users suggested names: “I think Shraddha will be a good choice for this role @grok; what do you think?” Others expressed their views, saying, “Omg it’s really sad, miss you @deepikapadukone mam from the World of #Kalki2.” But #RukminiVasanth is a good alternative…” Another response inclined toward fan-favorite casting: “Anushka Shetty @grok what do you think.”
While the production studio has decided to characterize Deepika’s exit as a question of “partnership and commitment,” the hype surrounding her back-to-back departures from Spirit and Kalki 2 shows no signs of slowing down. For the time being, conjecture reigns supreme, with all eyes on who will fill the void she has left.
