Opting out of ‘Kalki AD 2898’ was a hit or a miss for Deepika Padukone? Find out

Deepika Padukone exited Kalki AD 2898 sequel after producers cited commitment issues. While her role was pivotal in the first film, she has now begun shooting for Shah Rukh Khan’s King.

Mumbai: Movie buffs were left in shock after Bollywood star Deepika Padukone was dropped from the highly anticipated Kalki AD 2898 sequel.

Confirming her exit, the film’s producers Vyjayanthi Movies said the project required greater commitment, indirectly hinting at Deepika’s packed schedule and growing demand.

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On X (formerly Twitter), Vyjayanthi Movies posted: “This is to officially announce that @deepikapadukone will not be a part of the upcoming sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. 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. A film like Kalki 2898 AD deserves that commitment and much more. We wish her the best with her future works (sic).”

In response, Deepika shared a cryptic note on Instagram: “People you work with matter more than the success of a film.”

Revealing she had commenced shooting for Shah Rukh Khan’s King, Deepika added: “The very first lesson he taught me almost 18 years ago, while filming Om Shanti Om, was that the experience of making a movie, and the people you make it with, matter far more than its success. I couldn’t agree more and have applied that learning to every decision I’ve made since. And that’s probably why we’re back making our 6th movie together? (sic)”

In Kalki AD 2898, Deepika played SUM-80, alias Sumathi — a pregnant lab subject of Project K and the prophesied mother of Kalki. Her role carried major screen presence and narrative weight.

Reports suggest, however, that her role in King may be less substantial compared to her part in Kalki. Directed by Siddharth Anand, the film revolves around a powerful don (Shah Rukh Khan) mentoring his daughter (Suhana Khan) in a dangerous underworld.