After making headlines for exiting Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s much-anticipated film Spirit, Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone has now reportedly parted ways with another major project — Kalki 2, the sequel to the upcoming mytho-sci-fi epic starring Prabhas. According to fresh industry reports, the actress has been dropped from the sequel due to growing “creative friction” and alleged unease on set during the filming of Kalki 2898 AD.
While no official statement has been issued by the film’s production house or Deepika’s team, sources close to the project suggest that mounting tensions between the actress and members of the crew may have led to the decision. Rumours point to frequent disagreements on the set of Kalki 2898 AD — ranging from scheduling conflicts to clashes over the creative direction of her character.
Insiders claim that while Deepika was originally slated to play a significant role in Kalki 2, behind-the-scenes dynamics grew increasingly strained over time. “The chemistry between the lead actors was never the issue — both Prabhas and Deepika maintained professionalism. But creative differences between her and the team, particularly during crucial scenes, reportedly disrupted the workflow,” a source revealed.
The reports come shortly after Deepika’s unexpected exit from Spirit, another high-profile project also involving Prabhas and directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. That development had already sparked speculation about a possible rift or fatigue from handling multiple high-stakes action-heavy roles, especially as Deepika is currently in the late stages of her pregnancy and has been choosing her projects with extra caution.
Industry watchers also suggest that Deepika, who has a string of successful films to her credit and has been balancing international commitments, may be re-evaluating her film choices based on the creative freedom and vision offered by each production.
Despite the buzz, many believe that the Kalki franchise will continue to maintain its momentum. The first part, Kalki 2898 AD, has already generated massive excitement with its unique blend of mythology and science fiction, a visually rich narrative, and a powerhouse ensemble cast including Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Disha Patani. The sequel, Kalki 2, was expected to delve deeper into the futuristic universe, with Deepika’s character rumored to have a pivotal arc.
With her exit, the filmmakers are reportedly exploring other options for a female lead to fill the vacuum. Several names are being discussed, though nothing has been confirmed yet.
While fans may be disappointed to see Deepika stepping away from not one but two major ventures alongside Prabhas, many remain hopeful that she will return to similarly impactful roles once the timing and creative environment align better.
For now, Deepika Padukone’s departure adds a dramatic twist to the already buzzworthy Kalki saga — both on and off screen.
