Recent reports suggesting Deepika Padukone has been dropped from Kalki 2 are false, according to sources close to the film's development. These sources have explicitly denied any friction on set or a fallout between Padukone, co-star Prabhas, and the film's team.

The rumors gained traction following reports of Padukone stepping away from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit, allegedly due to her desire for fixed eight-hour workdays. Vanga's subsequent cryptic tweets criticizing actors for "wanting luxury" were interpreted by some as veiled digs at Padukone. When Triptii Dimri was then cast in Spirit, speculation increased. This unverified narrative seems to have spilled over into Kalki 2, falsely portraying professional issues between Padukone and the filmmakers.

However, insiders confirm that Kalki 2 is still in pre-production, and no casting decisions have been finalized. Conversations with actors are yet to begin, making the idea of on-set friction baseless. There has been no shoot, no sets, and no interaction and therefore, no question of a fallout.

Kalki 2 is the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, a Telugu-language epic mythological science-fiction film released in June 2024. Kalki 2898 AD was co-written and directed by Nag Ashwin and features an ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani. Inspired by Hindu scriptures, the film serves as the first installment in the planned Kalki Cinematic Universe. Set in a dystopian future in the year 2898 AD, the story follows a group on a mission to protect SUM-80's unborn child, believed to be Kalki.

Amid the speculation, director Nag Ashwin has stated that Deepika's role is the backbone of Kalki, and it would not be possible to make the sequel without her.

Padukone's recent career news has stirred up a lot of buzz. The reason for the rumors is reportedly Padukone's demand for shorter work hours post-motherhood is reportedly causing “friction on sets,” says the Instagram page Bollywood.mobi. Due to this, the makers of Kalki 2 are said to be considering reducing or even removing her role. However, there is no official confirmation about this from the film's team as of now.

The recent controversy surrounding Spirit involved reports that Padukone refused to shoot for more than six hours a day and demanded contract amendments, leading to her exit. Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga addressed the situation via a pointed post on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA between us. But by doing this, you've 'DISCLOSED' the person that you are… Putting down a younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for?” He ended the post with a cryptic Hindi proverb and the hashtag #dirtyPRgames, suggesting he believed the actress was using media to control the narrative.

As of now, neither Deepika Padukone nor the makers of Kalki 2 have issued any official statements regarding her status in the film.