Kalki 2898 AD makers officially removed Deepika Padukone over ‘demands of fee increase, five-star accommodation for 25 people’: report

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

Soon after the news was confirmed, Bollywood Hungama reported that the makers took the decision after Deepika demanded a 25 percent increment in her fees and also 5-star accomodation for a team of 25 people.

A source told the publication: “Deepika Padukone demanded a 25 percent increment on the acting fees she was paid for the first part of the film. That’s not all, she put her foot down on shooting for just 7 hours a day. Given that Kalki 2898 AD is a VFX heavy film, such short shoots was likely to shoot up the budget by a reasonable amount. The producers were willing to provide a luxury vanity to Deepika for rest, in return of longer shoot hours, but she refused. They also tried to negotiate finances, given that even Prabhas had not asked for an increment in fees. She and her team refused to adjust on either.”

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The source added: “Deepika’s team is a big one with almost 25 people travelling with her on the sets. They demanded a five-star accommodation and reimbursement for food through the shoot for her entourage. Why should the producers pay for the stay and food of an actor, over and above the fees? This is an issue that a lot of Hindi producers also face.”

The source further claimed that the makers requested the actor to reduce her team strength and work out the differences, but she was firm with her demands. “This was the issue on Spirit too. And now Kalki 2898 AD. Actors have to be more collaborative to make films work”, said the source.

Previously, when Deepika Padukone walked out of Spirit, it was reported that it was majorly because of her 8-hour shift demand. At that time, many came in her support while other maintained that creative jobs can’t be compared to corporate jobs.

Meanwhile, the makers claimed that the actress refused to speak her Telugu dialogues. She also increased her fees and demanded a profit share in the film. She was eventually removed from the film and replaced with Triptii Dimri.

Deepika Padukone is yet to react to the news.