In a move that surprised fans, Deepika Padukone will not return for the sequel of Kalki 2898 AD. Vyjayanthi Movies confirmed the exit, stating that despite the long journey of the first film, they could not find the level of partnership and commitment the sequel required.
Deepika’s character, Sumathi—the mother of Kalki—was central to the first film, making her absence a major shift for the franchise.
While the official note highlighted “commitment,” industry reports suggest multiple factors played a role:
- Scheduling conflicts and time demands clashed with her priorities.
- Fee hike and luxury accommodation requests for a large entourage reportedly created friction.
- Personal priorities—with Deepika recently becoming a mother—may have limited her ability to commit to long, demanding shoots.
Producers have not revealed whether the role will be recast or rewritten, but the change will undeniably alter the sequel’s direction. They wished Deepika well, signaling an amicable yet firm decision to move on.
For fans, the big question now is: who steps into this crucial role, and how will the sequel reshape its story?