It sent shockwaves through Bollywood on September 18, 2025: Deepika Padukone won’t be in the sequel of Kalki 2898 AD. Vyjayanthi Movies, the producers, made it official through Twitter/X statement. Their wording was unmistakable yet enigmatic: “After much deliberation, we have come to the decision to go separate ways. Despite the years-long odyssey of making the first film, we could not find a collaboration. And a film like @Kalki2898AD deserves that dedication and much more.”
What does “commitment” even mean here has been the object of frenziedspeculations. Scheduling problems? Shooting hour requirements? Price hikes? Or even personal reasons, given Deepika’s latest foray into motherhood? Let us take a look at what latest reports indicate.
What the Makers Say: “Deserving Commitment”
Vyjayanthi Movies’ official stand is that commitment is of prime importance. The production outfit didn’t cast direct accusations but stated that Deepika’s dates or requirements could never match up to what a franchise of Kalki 2898 AD’s purview necessitates.
Deepika portrayed the role of Sum 80 / Sumathi in the initial film—a role that was extremely emotional. Media accounts state that for the sequel, her role was going to enjoy even greater screen space, and possibly even a busier shooting schedule. Since Kalki 2898 AD is a big-budget, VFX-heavy picture with many schedules and requirements, producers apparently felt that her terms may not be compatible with the logistical requirements
The Reported Reasons Behind Exit
While the statement from the makers was vague, media reports and insiders have added more specifics. These are unverified claims but they’ve been repeated across several outlets:
- Deepika is reported to have demanded a 25% raise in her price, contrary to what she was paid for the first installment of Kalki 2898 AD.
- She was supposedly looking for limited work hours, aiming to work for only 7 to 8 hours per day, her reason being her newfound role as a mother and possibly wanting to achieve work-life balance.
- Also at issue are her needs to accommodate her entourage (five-star accommodations, etc.) and to rest or to be in vanity that producers could not easily accommodate for the size and timeline of Kalki 2.
- Certain sources cite conflict of schedules with other movies. Deepika has various commitments after her pregnancy, and handling those plus a movie like Kalki 2 (extensive VFX, large cast, possible longer production schedules) might have been overwhelming.
Deepika’s Perspective & Public Reaction
Until now, Deepika Padukone or her representative has not issued a detailed open account of her perspective of the matter. Certain phrases have emerged via old interviews that mention that she trust her gut, tries to find balance between work and family, and enjoys working with co-creators with whom she has similar energies. But nothing concrete of this exit has officially been detailed by her.
Public sentiment has been mixed. Some of her admirers are frustrated at her departure, especially as Kalki 2898 AD had given her role (Sumathi) as central and emotional in the initial installment. Most specify that it is standard for large franchises to see such changes in principal casting to fulfill expectations. Netizens are debating whether it’s bad for her or if her demands are reasonable given her situation.
Some voices posit that it is unreasonable to expect a woman, particularly a new mother, to work excessively long hours, particularly under physically and psychologically challenging circumstances. Other voices respond that once an actor commits to a franchise of its size, certain professional expectations are to be expected.
How Commitment Issues Play Out in Big-Budget Cinema
In mass-market, pan-India films with large sets and elaborate VFX, timings are carefully planned. Actor availability for even brief spans creates cascading cost overruns. Producers at times need total cooperation: large shoot hours, strict scheduling, mobility, and versatility.
“Commitment” in cinema usually means:
- Availability for the full shoot duration
- Willingness to work under using elaborate setups (sets, VFX, motion capture etc.)
- Flexibility in hours, sometimes exceeding typical boundaries for regular movies
- Cooperation with production’s logistical exigencies
Thus, if the actor demands fewer hours, higher remunerations, or more comfort (accommodations, entourage), negotiations are next. If they are unable to find middle ground, sometimes they part ways—especially if the actor’s needs are found to be at odds with the size of the project. Kalki 2 is being made at over ₹700-800 crore budget in various reports, and the expectations are rather steep.
Comparison with Her Exit From Other Projects
Deepika’s departure from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit earlier this year is seen as related background. It was apparently due to her decision to opt out during negotiations for reduced shoot hours and the like, something that was called out by the director publicly. Some assume that her departure from Spirit and now from Kalki 2 is part of a pattern or stokes the idea that she is being obstructive.
But it’s also the case that Kalki 2898 AD was itself partially filmed when Deepika was pregnant, which could have affected her physical ability or availability at times. Reports vary to say that she was acting out scenes during pregnancy, yet that her current situation (after maternity) could be taking its toll on her decisions.