A few days ago, director Nag Ashwin revealed that it will take time for Kalki 2 to go on floors. This isn’t surprising given Prabhas’ busy schedule. The first installment, Kalki 2898 AD, became one of the biggest blockbusters in Indian cinema, grossing over Rs. 1,100 crore.
Bollywood star heroine Deepika Padukone played a pivotal role around whom the entire film revolves. The shocking development reveals that she will not be part of the sequel. The makers took to X and officially announced the same.
In the X post the makers mentioned, “This is to officially announce that Deepika Padukone 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 Kalki 2898 AD deserves that commitment and much more. We wish her the best with her future works.”
Earlier, Deepika was cast as the female lead in Prabhas and Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit, but the makers reportedly showed her the door after being uncomfortable with the eight-hour shift she proposed. Her removal from one of the most awaited sequels is sure to create a huge stir, especially since the makers directly highlighted the level of commitment the project demands in their social media post.
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