Following the announcement that Deepika Padukone will not be part of the Kalki 2898 AD sequel, the actress has seemingly responded with a post emphasizing the importance of the collaborative experience in filmmaking. Vyjayanthi Movies, the production house behind Kalki 2898 AD, officially announced the decision, stating that they were unable to find a suitable partnership with Padukone despite their long journey of making the first film.

The production house stated on social media: "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".

Padukone's exit from the Kalki 2898 AD sequel follows her departure from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit, another Telugu film starring Prabhas.

In what many perceive as a response to the Kalki 2898 AD announcement, Padukone shared a photo on Instagram from the set of her new film King, starring Shah Rukh Khan. The post highlights a lesson she learned from Khan during the filming of Om Shanti Om: "The very first lesson he taught me almost 18 years ago while filming Om Shanti Om was that the experience of making a movie, and the people you make it with, matter far more than its success. I couldn't agree more and have applied that learning to every decision I've made since. And that's probably why we're back making our 6th movie together? #king #day1”.

This post is interpreted by many as Padukone's way of emphasizing the value she places on the collaborative process and the team she works with, rather than solely focusing on a film's potential success.

King marks the sixth time Padukone and Shah Rukh Khan will be seen together on screen. Sources indicate that Khan was eager to have Padukone in the film from the beginning. While initial scheduling conflicts arose due to Padukone's maternity leave and fitness commitments, the timelines eventually aligned, and she signed on for a substantial role.

Padukone's departure from Kalki 2898 AD has sparked varied reactions, with fans suggesting potential replacements for the actress. Some reports suggest that Padukone's demand for an eight-hour shift to balance work and family life may have contributed to the decision to part ways.