Deepika Padukone Out of Kalki 2898 AD Sequel: Fee Hike, Demands, and the Real Reason
A Heartbreaking Turn for Fans
It was one of those mornings when you read the news and don’t quite believe it. Deepika Padukone, who delivered one of her most powerful performances in Kalki 2898 AD, will not be part of its sequel. The announcement from the film’s makers, Vyjayanthi Movies, came out of the blue today, sending waves of shock and disappointment across Bollywood and among fans who were eagerly awaiting the next chapter.
What Happened – The Facts, Chronologically
- Official Announcement
Vyjayanthi Movies released a statement on social media: “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.” - Alleged Reasons Behind the Exit
- Commitment issues is the official reason cited.
- Reports suggest Deepika asked for a 25% raise compared to the fee she earned in the first film.
- She allegedly requested just 7 hours of shooting per day. For a VFX-heavy sci-fi epic like Kalki 2898 AD, shorter shoot days can greatly increase cost and make scheduling tougher.
- Additional demands mentioned: five-star accommodation for her large entourage (~25 people), reimbursement for food during shoots, etc. The producers reportedly tried to negotiate, but nothing was resolved.
- Director Nag Ashwin’s Cryptic Response
After the announcement, director Nag Ashwin shared a cryptic post on social media: a clip from the original Kalki 2898 AD (Krishna’s entry scene) with the caption, “You can’t change what happened, but you can choose what happens next.” Many believe this is a reaction to Deepika’s exit, though he hasn’t said so explicitly.
Reactions & Fallout
- Fans are stunned. Deepika’s role in the first film was central — she played Sumati, the pregnant woman destined to bring forth the avatar Kalki. Her character’s arc was critical. Losing her from the sequel raises big questions about where the story will go without her.
- Industry Observers are split: some say the demands are reasonable, especially considering Deepika is now a mother, with new responsibilities and expectations for work-life balance. Others argue that for a blockbuster project, flexibility and collaboration are essential.
- Producers’ Position: They maintain that in spite of attempts to adjust (offer luxury rest vans, better amenities, etc.), they could not agree on the key terms. For them, the sequel requires “partnership” and full commitment.
What This Means Moving Forward
- For the Sequel’s Story
Without Deepika, the makers have big decisions to make: recast her role, rework the script, or shift focus. Since her character was integral to the mythology of Kalki’s origin, any change will be noticeable. - For Deepika’s Image
This is her second high-profile exit in recent months (after Spirit). There will be speculation over her demands and how she handles contracts. But there’s also empathy, especially from working mothers and artists seeking respectful working conditions. - For Bollywood’s Working Culture
The incident puts spotlight back on how high-budget films manage schedule demands, especially from top actors with large entourages. Negotiations over hours, compensation, and on-set amenities are not new, but for sci-fi/VFX-heavy productions, constraints are tighter. - For Fans Watching Closely
It will be interesting to see who replaces Deepika (if they recast), how the sequel’s dynamics shift, and whether this affects the film’s release schedule. There’s also the broader conversation: what trade-offs are artists willing to make, and how far are producers ready to compromise.
The Takeaway
It hurts, because Kalki 2898 AD wasn’t just another spectacle — it was a milestone in Indian sci-fi cinema. Deepika brought depth and gravitas that many felt made the movie more than just VFX and high production values.
Her exit is sad news, especially for those invested in her performance. But it also forces a reckoning: what does “commitment” mean in Bollywood? Can large scale projects accommodate the evolving demands of actors? And will fans accept a sequel without a critical character?
We’ll all be watching what happens next — both on screen, and behind the scenes.
Source: The Indian Express
