The sequel to the sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD, starring Prabhas, has hit a major snag. On Thursday morning, September 18, the producers officially confirmed Deepika Padukone’s departure from the project. While their statement cited “commitment issues,” insiders suggest the situation was far more complicated than it appeared on the surface.
Deepika Padukone’s High Demand Went Wrong
Initially, the production team hinted that the scale of the film demanded unwavering dedication. They implied that Padukone’s involvement lacked the intensity required for a VFX-heavy project of this magnitude. However, sources close to the production revealed that the fallout stemmed from a series of disagreements—both financial and logistical.
According to a report by, Deepika Padukone allegedly demanded a 25% hike in her acting fee compared to what she received for the first installment. This demand reportedly shocked the producers, especially since lead actor Prabhas had not requested any fee revision. In addition to the pay hike, Padukone insisted on limiting her daily shoot schedule to just seven hours. Given the film’s reliance on extensive visual effects, such constraints could have significantly inflated production costs.
The tension didn’t stop at fees and shoot hours. Deepika’s entourage, reportedly consisting of nearly 25 members, requested five-star accommodations and full reimbursement for meals. While the producers were willing to offer a luxury vanity van to the actress herself, they balked at covering the expenses of her entire team. They questioned the fairness of paying for an actor’s crew beyond the agreed compensation.
Despite multiple rounds of negotiation, no middle ground was found. The producers even asked Deepika Padukone to reduce her team size, but her camp remained firm. A source close to the production remarked, “This isn’t the first time such issues have surfaced. Similar problems occurred during the planning of Spirit. Actors need to be more collaborative if big-budget films are to succeed.”
Scheduling Conflicts Add Fuel to the Fire
While financial disagreements played a major role, scheduling conflicts further complicated matters. As per a report, the sequel was slated to begin filming by the end of the year. However, Deepika Padukone had already committed her dates to another high-profile project—an upcoming film with Allu Arjun and director Atlee. The overlapping schedules created friction between her team and the producers of Kalki 2898 AD.
Reportedly, Padukone prioritized the Atlee-Allu Arjun film, leaving the Kalki sequel in limbo. This decision, combined with the earlier disputes, ultimately led to her exit from the project. With Deepika Padukone officially out, the makers of Kalki 2898 AD are now on the lookout for a new leading lady. The sequel remains one of the most anticipated Indian sci-fi films, and the producers are keen to keep the momentum going despite the setback.
As the casting search begins, industry insiders are watching closely. Will the new actress bring the same star power and screen presence? Or will the production face further hurdles? Only time will tell. For now, Kalki 2898 AD continues to be a film surrounded by high expectations—and even higher drama.
