Deepika Padukone Exits Kalki 2898 AD Sequel: Inside the Controversy
Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone’s comeback journey after motherhood has taken another unexpected turn. The actress, who was previously dropped from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit opposite Prabhas, has now been officially replaced in the sequel of Kalki 2898 AD.
The makers, Vyjayanti Movies, confirmed her exit in a brief statement, citing “lack of commitment.” However, industry chatter suggests that behind-the-scenes disagreements and rising demands may have been the real reason.
Why Deepika Was Replaced
According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, Deepika demanded a 25% hike in her fee, which would have made her paycheck higher than that of co-star Prabhas. A source revealed that she had already earned a substantial amount for the first installment, which featured stalwarts like Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan.
“She wanted a 25 percent increment on the fees paid for the first film,” the insider claimed, adding that the producers were unwilling to revise the budget to such an extent.
The 7-Hour Workday Clause
The controversy did not end with the fee hike. Reports suggest that Deepika also insisted on working only seven hours a day, a condition considered unfeasible for a high-budget, VFX-heavy project like Kalki 2898 AD.
The production team allegedly tried to negotiate, offering her a luxury vanity van to rest in between longer schedules. However, the actress’s team stood firm, refusing to extend the working hours.
Entourage Demands Raise Eyebrows
Another sticking point was accommodation for Deepika’s 25-member entourage. Sources claim her team demanded five-star hotel stays and food reimbursement throughout the shoot. Producers reportedly pushed back, questioning why production houses should bear such extra expenses in addition to hefty acting fees.
“This has become a common problem in big Hindi film productions,” said an industry insider.
Déjà Vu with Spirit?
Interestingly, the situation mirrors what happened with Spirit, another big-ticket film starring Prabhas. Reports suggest that similar demands from Deepika’s team led to her being replaced in that project as well. Actress Triptii Dimri has reportedly stepped in for both roles, sparking discussions about whether Bollywood’s top actress is losing ground due to her uncompromising stance.
Official Statement from Vyjayanti Movies
The production house confirmed her exit through social media, writing:
“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.”
What Lies Ahead?
With the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD being one of the most awaited projects in Indian cinema, fans are divided. While some believe the producers took a firm stand against excessive demands, others speculate whether Deepika’s career trajectory is being affected by her choices.
For now, the spotlight shifts to Triptii Dimri, who seems to be emerging as a strong contender to take over high-profile roles, while the debate around Deepika’s exit continues to fuel Bollywood gossip.
