Deepika Padukone exits Kalki 2 after role cut to cameo
text_fields
Deepika Padukone has walked out of Kalki 2898 AD’s sequel after her role was reduced to a cameo.
On September 18, Vyjayanthi Movies, the film’s production house, announced her exit on X. The makers wrote that a project like Kalki requires a certain level of commitment and said they had to part ways with her as they could not arrive at an amicable partnership.
Sources revealed that the sequel was initially planned around Deepika’s character, Sumathi aka SUM-80. However, the makers later informed her that the script had been changed and her role was now reduced to almost a cameo.
Shocked by the decision, Deepika’s team chose to step away from the project.
On Thursday, the producers reiterated on X that Deepika would not be part of the sequel. The statement appeared to question her commitment to the film and her willingness to partner with the team.
Unconfirmed reports soon suggested that the actor had asked for fixed working hours, a 25 per cent salary hike, and accommodation for her team. Many linked this to the recent Sandeep Reddy Vanga controversy, where allegations claimed Deepika had decided to work only limited hours after motherhood and had placed certain demands on set.
Her abrupt exit from Kalki 2, along with her withdrawal from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit earlier this year, has fueled controversy in the film industry.