The latest buzz in Bollywood revolves around Deepika Padukone's exit from Kalki 2898 AD's sequel, and the release of the Kantara: Chapter 1 trailer. Here’s a breakdown of the trending news:

Deepika Padukone's Departure from Kalki 2 Sequel

Deepika Padukone will not be part of the Kalki 2898 AD sequel. Vyjayanthi Movies officially announced the decision, stating that after careful consideration, they decided to part ways due to an inability to find a suitable partnership, emphasizing that such a film deserves complete commitment.

Reports suggest that the script for the sequel had been altered, significantly reducing Padukone's role to a cameo, even though initial plans had her character, Sumathi (SUM-80), at the center. This alleged change prompted Padukone to exit the project. Simultaneously, rumors circulated about Padukone requesting a 25% salary increase, limited working hours, and specific accommodations for her team.

Amidst the controversy surrounding Deepika Padukone's alleged demands on the set of Kalki 2, fellow actresses Bhumi Pednekar and Tabu have shared their perspectives. Bhumi Pednekar emphasized that every actor has the right to negotiate terms that reflect their market value and personal comfort, adding that the bottom line is to deliver quality work. Tabu stated that wage and working condition negotiations are common in the film industry and that if Deepika set those terms, it means she believes in what she's bringing to the film. Tabu added that producers and directors usually know how to manage such demands along with the project's other needs.

Following her exit from Kalki 2898 AD sequel, Deepika Padukone has commenced shooting for Shah Rukh Khan's King. This marks their sixth collaboration, having previously starred in Om Shanti Om, Chennai Express, Happy New Year, Pathaan, and Jawan.

Rishab Shetty's Kantara: Chapter 1 Trailer Unveiled

The trailer for Kantara: Chapter 1, the prequel to the 2022 hit Kantara, has been released, generating significant buzz online. Written, directed, and led by Rishab Shetty, the film delves deeper into folklore, divine rituals, and ancestral conflicts. The cast includes Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram. The prequel expands on the cultural and spiritual themes of the first film, exploring the mystical world of Daiva Kola and ancestral conflicts.

The trailer begins with a young Shiva questioning his father's disappearance during a Daiva Kola performance. It introduces Gulshan Devaiah as a headstrong and cruel prince and Rukmini Vasanth as a princess who falls in love with Shiva's ancestor. The trailer ends with Rishab’s character seemingly possessed by Daiva Kola for the first time.

Fans have lauded the film's visuals, background score, and scale, with many calling it "bigger and better" than the original. The film is set to release on October 2, 2025, in multiple languages and formats, including IMAX, 4DX, and D-Box.