Deepika Padukone dropped from Prabhas’ Kalki sequel, official statement raises questions about her ‘commitment’

Deepika Padukone and the producers of Kalki 2898 AD couldn't strike a deal for her return in the upcoming sequel of the film; it was announced that she wouldn't be returning as the character Sumathi.

Deepika Padukone played Sumathi in the film Kalki 2898 AD.

Deepika Padukone had nothing but kind words to say about her Kalki 2898 AD co-star Prabhas, but they will have to wait a while before working together again, as she will not be returning for the film’s sequel. On Thursday, the production banner behind the film and its sequel, Vyjayanthi Movies, announced that Deepika wouldn’t be reprising her role as Sumathi in the sequel, as she couldn’t come to an agreement about certain ‘commitments’. The official statement, posted on the Vyjayanthi Movies social media channels, implied that someone who could devote more time to the project would be more suitable.

This comes mere months after it was reported that Deepika had declined to star in Prabhas’ upcoming film Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, over certain demands that she had made prior to production, owing to her new responsibilities as a mother. Deepika filmed parts of Kalki 2898 AD when she was pregnant, and her husband Ranveer Singh joked that the movie marked their child’s debut. Produced on a massive budget of more than Rs 700 crore, Kalki 2898 AD was described as the most expensive movie in Indian cinema history. It was moderately successful at the box office, grossing more than Rs 1000 crore worldwide and marking Prabhas’ return to success after a gap of nearly 10 years.

Also read – Sandeep Reddy Vanga slams Deepika Padukone for playing ‘dirty PR games’, ‘putting down a younger actor’ after being replaced by Triptii Dimri | Controversy explained

Story continues below this ad

In its statement on Thursday, Vyjayanthi Movies 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.”

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

Previously, Deepika Padukone’s departure from Spirit sparked a debate over her supposed demands for a strict eight-hour shift. While many took her side in the debate, others opposed it. Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga even lashed out at her and indirectly accused her of leaking elements of his story to the press, and for maligning her replacement, Triptii Dimri. Deepika hasn’t had a solo hit in several years, but has been a part of major blockbusters such as Pathaan and Jawan, both starring Shah Rukh Khan. She is reuniting with Shah Rukh in his upcoming film King, directed by Siddharth Anand.

In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar following the controversy, Deepika said that she drowns out the noise when it gets too loud, and prefers working with like-minded people. “I just listen to my gut, what feels right. I think it’s easier said and done. But, when you shut out the noise around you, and you listen to just your gut, I think the answers are always there. Wanting to collaborate with people that I know I am gonna have good time working with. Being surrounded by family and friends and being authentic is how I think am able to find my balance,” she said.

Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.

Uttarakhand rain: 12 in Chamoli go missing as buildings collapse, rescue ops underway

India8 min ago

At least 12 people have gone missing in Uttarakhand after a rainfall-triggered debris slide hit Nandnagar of Chamoli district early on Thursday, bringing down several buildings. The administration and rescue teams have reached the spot to search for the missing individuals.

View all shorts

More Entertainment

Entertainment Aryan turns photographer at The Ba***ds of Bollywood premiere as SRK poses with the paparazzi, Gauri watches with love. See pics