Recent reports indicate that Deepika Padukone is no longer part of the cast of Kalki 2898 AD’s sequel, generating considerable buzz within the film industry and among fans. While the precise reasons for her departure remain somewhat unclear, several factors appear to have contributed to this decision.

Reported Reasons for Deepika's Exit

• Salary Demands: One prominent theory suggests that Deepika's exit was prompted by a disagreement over her remuneration. Sources claim that she demanded a substantial 25% increase in her fees for the sequel. Some reports even state that she asked the makers to double her fee. This led to a negotiation impasse, ultimately resulting in the producers deciding to drop her from the project. It's worth noting that Deepika's management's approach to these negotiations also reportedly played a role.
• Role Reduction: Another report suggests that the actress's role in Kalki 2 was significantly reduced, potentially to a cameo, which led to her decision to leave the project. Sources indicate that the sequel was initially planned to heavily involve Deepika's character, but changes to the script altered the scope of her role.
• Demands for working conditions: It was reported that Deepika asked for a 7-hour work shift. Further, she requested luxurious arrangements for her team and a five-star accomodation. Also, she travels with a team of 25 people and requested food reimbursement for her entourage during the shoot.

The Production House's Statement

Vyjayanthi Movies, the production house behind Kalki 2898 AD, officially announced Deepika's departure via a statement on X (formerly Twitter). The statement mentioned that after careful consideration, they had decided to part ways due to an inability to find a "partnership" that the film deserved. The production house emphasized the need for a strong commitment to the project.

Deepika's Perspective

Deepika has not directly addressed the specific reasons for her exit from Kalki 2. However, she shared a post on social media about her new film King with Shah Rukh Khan, emphasizing that the experience of making a film and the people involved matter more than its success. She stated that she has always applied this lesson to her decisions.

Prabhas's Involvement

Despite both Kalki 2 and Spirit being Prabhas-starrers, sources close to the actor have clarified that he had no involvement in Deepika's exit from either film. The decisions were reportedly driven by financial and creative considerations between Deepika's team and the respective production houses.

Deepika's Current Projects

Following her exit from Kalki 2, Deepika has moved on to other projects. She has begun shooting for King, marking her sixth collaboration with Shah Rukh Khan. She is also rumored to be returning to Hollywood for another XXX film with Vin Diesel.

Past Collaboration

Notably, Deepika had already shot for approximately 20 days for Kalki 2, with some scenes filmed concurrently during the production of the first part. Director Nag Ashwin had previously stated that Deepika's role in the sequel would be crucial.

The circumstances surrounding Deepika Padukone's exit from Kalki 2898 AD's sequel involve a combination of factors, including reported disagreements over salary, potential role reduction, and the production house's need for a strong partnership. While the exact weight of each factor remains unclear, the decision has been made, and Deepika has moved on to new projects.