Deepika Padukone out of Prabhas’ ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ sequel: We are unable to strike a partnership, say makers

The makers of the sequel of Kalki 2898 ADhave parted ways with actor Deepika Padukone for the movie. Directed by Nag Ashwin, the futuristic action drama stars Prabhas in the lead.

In a statement on their social media handles, Vyjayanthi Movies stated that “they were unable to find a partnership” with Deepika. “This is to officially announce that Deepika Padukone will not be part of the upcoming sequel of Kalki 2898 AD,”wrote the production house.

“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 Kalki 2898 AD needs that much commitment and much more. We wish her the best with her future works,” the banner added.

In the first part, which hit the screens on June 27, 2024, Deepika played a lab subject yearning for a better life and motherhood. The film, also starring Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Shobhana, attempted an unusual meeting point of the past and the future by blending stories from the Mahabharata with a futuristic, dystopian science fiction world.

Meanwhile, in June 2024, Deepika, who was on a maternity break, waded into a controversy after her alleged fallout with the makers of Spirit, leading to her departure from the film. Directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga of Arjun Reddy and Animal fame, the movie stars Prabhas in the lead. Reports said Deepika demanded an eight-hour working shift and a 10 % profit share from the makers. The actor, married to Ranveer Singh, gave birth to a baby girl on September 08, 2024.

ALSO READ: Sandeep Reddy Vanga fires back after Deepika Padukone’s exit from ‘Spirit’

The cycle of speculations aside, Deepika is currently working on director Atlee’s magnum opus with Allu Arjun. In the grand spectacle, the actor is set to play a warrior queen. Production house Sun Pictures announced her casting with a behind-the-scenes visuals of the actor from the sets of the pan-Indian movie.