Kalki 2898 AD Sequel: Deepika Padukone filmed for 20 days before her exit- Reports

Deepika Padukone’s exit from the sequel to Prabhas’ Kalki 2898 AD came as a bolt from the blue, leaving many in shock. The makers, Vyjayanthi Movies, officially confirmed her departure, citing issues of ‘partnership and commitment’, sparking widespread speculation. Despite being cast in a pivotal role, Deepika was removed from the project, creating ripples across the industry. But, did you know that Deepika had shot for 20 days before the exit from Kalki 2898 AD?

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The Fallout: Speculation and Allegations

Notably, Deepika Padukone's abrupt exit has been surrounded by conflicting narratives. One line of speculation points to negotiation breakdowns- Deepika reportedly asked for a 25% pay hike, unsurprising given her elevated profile following the success of the first instalment.

Simultaneously, there are claims she wanted limited working hours, possibly restricting her daily shoots to a 7- or 8-hour day- a demand that might have clashed with the film’s scale and pace. 

Additionally, some insiders allege her role in the sequel may have been downsized, potentially reducing her to a cameo. The production house, in announcing her exit, stated that despite the long journey, they were unable to find “partnership” and commitment strong enough for a project like Kalki. 

Deepika Filmed For 20 Days!

Amid the circulating buzz, fresh reports claim that Deepika had already completed nearly 20 days of shoot for the sequel before parting ways with the film. According to certain media reports, the revelations intensified when insiders claimed that her filming started concurrently while Part 1 was still in production. Some sources even cite comments by director Nag Ashwin confirming that such overlapping shoots were planned.

Reactions After Deepika's Exit

Fans and industry observers alike expressed surprise over the decision. Deepika’s presence in the first Kalki 2898 AD was widely appreciated, and many expected continuity in the sequel. Even Ashwin had earlier revealed that Deepika is an ‘indispensable’ part of Kalki 2. The sudden ouster revived conversations about the pressures and rigid demands in big-budget filmmaking, especially when it comes to balancing star power with creative logistics.

Some commentators also linked her exit to her earlier controversies- her departure from Spirit and prior negotiation standoffs- suggesting a pattern, though these remain speculative. Meanwhile, Deepika has moved forward, resuming work on her next venture, King, with Shah Rukh Khan.

What’s Next for the Sequel?

With Deepika now officially out, the filmmakers face the challenge of reworking the sequel’s narrative arc. Whether they will recast her role, rewrite it entirely, or adjust the story’s emphasis remains unknown. The project, already anticipated for its scale and ambition, has to maintain coherence even after such a high-profile exit.

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Given how much investment and expectation the Kalki universe has already drawn, every move will be scrutinised. Whether Deepika’s exit will impact the sequel’s momentum is a question that only time will answer.