Amid speculation surrounding Deepika Padukone reported exit from the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, the film’s makers are said to be exploring the option of recasting her role. While there has been no official confirmation so far, several reports indicate that actor Sai Pallavi is being considered as a potential replacement.
Sai Pallavi Likely to Step In
According to source, a representative associated with the film revealed that discussions are ongoing to cast Sai Pallavi as the character SUM-80 following Deepika Padukone’s departure. The representative clarified that no decision has been finalised yet but acknowledged that the makers believe Sai Pallavi could be well-suited for the role. At the same time, the source emphasised that these developments are currently based on rumours and advised audiences to wait for an official announcement.
As of now, the makers of the sequel to Nag Ashwin’s sci-fi spectacle have not issued any formal statement regarding the casting. The film features Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan in prominent roles.
Also read: Deepika Padukone Opens Up About Motherhood: Candid Moments With Daughter Dua Delight Fans
Deepika Padukone Consecutive Film Exits
Deepika Padukone’s exit from the Kalki 2898 AD sequel follows her earlier departure from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit. Her decision to step away from the Kalki sequel was officially confirmed by production house Vyjayanthi Movies.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Vyjayanthi Movies announced that Padukone would no longer be part of the upcoming sequel. The statement noted that despite the extensive journey involved in making the first film, both parties decided to part ways after failing to align on expectations. The production house added that a project of Kalki 2898 AD’s scale demands a high level of commitment.
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
Reports by Bollywood Hungama later suggested that Padukone’s exit was the result of disagreements related to remuneration and working conditions. The report claimed that the actor had requested a 25 per cent increase in her fee and had also sought to limit her work schedule to seven hours per day, which reportedly posed challenges given the film’s VFX-intensive nature.
Citing a source, the report further alleged that Padukone’s team—consisting of nearly 25 members—travelled with her during shoots and had demanded five-star accommodation along with food reimbursements throughout the production. The source questioned why producers should bear the cost of lodging and meals for an actor’s entourage in addition to paying the actor’s fee, noting that such issues are increasingly faced by Hindi film producers.
Kalki 2898 AD, the Telugu-language science-fiction film, was released in June 2024 and emerged as a massive box-office success, earning ₹1,042 crore worldwide.