The sequel to Prabhas’ futuristic blockbuster Kalki 2898 AD has hit headlines, but this time not for its grandeur. Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, who played a pivotal role in the first film, has officially exited the sequel. The makers confirmed her departure on September 18, citing “commitment issues.” But reports suggest the real reason lies in a clash over her fees, shooting conditions, and high-end demands.
Fee Hike Sparks Trouble
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
The production house has shared the news on X and 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 @Kalki2898AD deserves that commitment and much more. We wish her the best with her future works.”
According to reports, Deepika demanded a 25 percent hike in her acting fees compared to what she earned in the first part. This immediately created friction with the producers. While they tried negotiating, the actor and her team reportedly refused to budge. Interestingly, even lead star Prabhas had not asked for any hike, which made the situation even more complicated for the makers.
Deepika Padukone’s Shooting Conditions
Another sticking point was her strict condition of working only 7 hours a day. For a film like Kalki 2898 AD, which is heavy on VFX and requires long, meticulous shoots, this was seen as impractical. Shorter work hours meant higher production costs and delays, something the team was unwilling to compromise on. The producers even offered a luxury vanity van for her rest periods in exchange for longer hours, but the proposal was declined.
Entourage And Luxury Demands
Beyond the fees and work hours, Deepika’s team reportedly made demands that further escalated the situation. Her entourage of nearly 25 people required five-star accommodation and food reimbursements throughout the shoot. While such perks are not uncommon in Bollywood, the producers questioned why they should bear the extra burden on top of already high acting fees. This became another major conflict point.
Producers Emphasize Collaboration
The makers, while confirming her exit, stressed that large-scale projects like Kalki 2898 AD demand full collaboration. “Actors have to be more collaborative to make films work,” a source revealed, pointing out that similar issues had cropped up during Deepika’s earlier project ‘Spirit‘ as well. Tight deadlines, costly visual effects, and heavy logistics require flexibility from all sides, which they felt was missing here.
Who Will Replace Deepika Padukone In Kalki 2898 AD?
With Deepika out of the picture, speculations have already started about who might replace her in this massive franchise. While the producers haven’t announced a name yet, fans are buzzing with curiosity about which actress will step into the role opposite Prabhas. Given the hype around Kalki 2898 AD, the replacement announcement will be crucial in keeping the excitement alive.
Conclusion
Deepika Padukone’s exit from the Kalki 2898 AD sequel highlights how creative vision and star power can sometimes clash with professional demands. While she remains one of Bollywood’s top actresses, the producers stood firm on not letting conditions affect the film’s massive scale and tight schedules. As the buzz around the sequel continues, all eyes are now on who will join Prabhas in this much-awaited sci-fi spectacle.
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