Vyjayanthi Movies has officially announced that Deepika Padukone will not be a part of the upcoming sequel to Prabhas starrer Kalki 2898 AD. The production house released an official statement on social media confirming the development, citing that despite the long journey of working on the first film, both sides were unable to continue the partnership for the next chapter.
The note emphasised that a film of this scale requires "commitment and much more," and while the team deeply valued Deepika's contribution in the first installment, they ultimately decided to part ways. The studio also extended best wishes to the actress for her future projects.
This announcement has surprised many fans, as Deepika was one of the most prominent faces of the first film.
Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin, became a landmark in Indian cinema for its ambitious world-building, futuristic storytelling, and star-studded ensemble cast that included Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan.
The sequel is expected to expand on the universe established in the original, with heightened stakes and new characters. While the makers have not yet revealed who will replace Deepika or how her absence will be addressed in the script, industry watchers believe the decision could reshape the sequel's character arcs.
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Deepika's role in Kalki 2898 AD
In the first film, Deepika played Sumathi, a pivotal character whose journey bridged the futuristic dystopian setting with deep human emotions. Her performance stood out for its intensity and layered vulnerability, making her one of the emotional anchors of the story. Sumathi's arc provided a strong counterbalance to the larger-than-life battles and mythological themes, grounding the film in personal sacrifice and resilience.
With her exit, the sequel will likely reimagine or close off her storyline, leaving fans curious about how the makers will preserve continuity while maintaining the scale of the saga.