Confirmed: Deepika Padukone Removed From Kalki 2?
Bollywood has woken up to a surprise twist – Deepika Padukone is officially out of Kalki 2. Despite a prominent role in the 1st part as SUM-80 aka Sumathi (the pregnant lab subject of Project K and the prophesied mother of Kalki), she will not be returning for the sequel.
Confirmed: Deepika Padukone Removed From Kalki 2?
Considering how pivotal her role was in Kalki 2898 AD, this update has left fans buzzing with questions. The first installment was a mega affair with Deepika sharing screen space with Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan, while Kamal Haasan stepped into the antagonist’s shoes.
(Also Read: Kalki 2: Alia Bhatt In Talks To Replace Deepika Padukone?)
(Also Read: Deepika Padukone Upcoming Movies Amid Kalki 2, Spirit, 8-Hour Work Shift Row!)
(Also Read: Kalki 2898 AD Movie Review: Overinflated 1st Half But Magnificent 2nd Half)
Now, with Vyjayanthi Movies confirming the news on their official X handle, the matter is sealed. Their statement read, “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. We wish her the best with her future works.”
After Exiting Spirit, Deepika Padukone Out Of Prabhas’ Kalki 2!
Behind the polished announcement, however, rumors of on-set friction have been doing the rounds. Reports suggest Deepika was firm about sticking to an 8-hour workday along with other professional stipulations. Honestly, can you blame her? Balancing blockbuster schedules while also embracing new motherhood is not exactly a walk in the park. She and Ranveer Singh welcomed their baby girl, Dua Padukone Singh, on September 8, 2024, and Deepika seems keen to prioritize a healthier balance between personal and professional life.
(Also Read: Deepika Padukone Removed From Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit?)
Interestingly, this is not the first time she has stepped away from a major project. Earlier, she had exited Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit opposite Prabhas due to disagreements over work hours and remuneration.
So while Kalki 2 marches on without its Sumathi, Deepika is clearly rewriting her own script. Fans may miss her in the sequel, but it seems she is choosing roles that align with her life off-screen, and that is a power move in itself.
(Spirit: Sandeep Reddy Vanga Vs Deepika Padukone Feud Explained, He Slams Dirty PR Games!)
