

In the first film, Deepika played the character of Sumati, the mother of Kalki and the savior of the world. She was portrayed as a pregnant woman whose life was threatened by the character of Supreme Yakshan, played by Kamal Haasan.
Deepika Padukone quits 'Kalki 2898 AD' sequel
Mumbai: Big news is emerging about Bollywood star Deepika Padukone. She will not be part of the sequel to the 2024 Telugu blockbuster film 'Kalki 2898 AD'. The film's makers have officially confirmed that she will not reprise her role, which is a shocking piece of news for her fans.
The producers of 'Kalki 2898 AD', directed by Nag Ashwin, Vyjayanti Movies, shared the information on the social media platform X. The post stated that Deepika Padukone will not be part of the upcoming sequel. The makers explained that this decision was made after extensive discussions. They stated that despite the long journey and efforts involved in the first film, a suitable partnership could not be reached between both parties. They also wished Deepika all the best for her future endeavors.
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…
— Vyjayanthi Movies (@VyjayanthiFilms) September 18, 2025
In the first film, Deepika played the character of Sumati, the mother of Kalki and the savior of the world. She was portrayed as a pregnant woman whose life was threatened by the character of Supreme Yakshan, played by Kamal Haasan.
Interestingly, Deepika was also pregnant in real life during the climax of the film and gave birth to her daughter, Dua, in September 2024.
The film also starred Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan in lead roles. Prabhas played a dual role, portraying a bounty hunter and Karna from the Mahabharata. Nag Ashwin's film was inspired by the Mahabharata story and was planned as a two-part series.
The makers have not clarified the reason for Deepika's exit, but they mentioned the issue of commitments. This suggests that there may have been disagreements regarding shooting schedules or other demands.
Earlier, Deepika had also opted out of another big film, 'Spirit,' for similar reasons, where she had demanded an 8-hour shift and a hefty fee.
The news of Deepika Padukone's exit from the sequel of 'Kalki 2898 AD' has sparked discussions within the film industry and among fans. It remains to be seen who the makers choose to play this important role, and how the story unfolds. Deepika will be busy with her new projects and spending time with her family.