Why Did Deepika Padukone Exit From 'Kalki 2898 AD' Sequel? Fee Hike, Luxury Demand And More Revealed

Deepika Padukone has established herself as one of the most sought-after superstars in both Indian and global cinema. However, her recent back-to-back exits from huge projects, such as Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit and Vyjayanthi Movies' Kalki 2898 AD sequel, have been a shock for many of her fans. Reports are circulating about the reasons behind the producers' decision to move forward with the Kalki franchise without Deepika. Here's what they have to say about her alleged demands. 

Deepika Padukone reportedly demanded an increase in pay and a decrease in working hours for Kalki 2898 AD sequel 

According to a Bollywood Hungama report, sources close to the production team of Kalki 2898 AD have revealed that Deepika Padukone demanded a 25% increase in her fees, which she was paid for the first instalment of the franchise. However, the other main lead, Prabhas, hadn't requested an increase. Along with a pay hike, Deepika also allegedly asked for a strict seven-hour workday. The report says that the producers tried to negotiate with the actress, but she would not budge. The source close to the portal shared:

“Deepika Padukone demanded a 25 percent increment on the acting fees she was paid for the first part of the film. That’s not all, she put her foot down on shooting for just 7 hours a day. Given that Kalki 2898 AD is a VFX heavy film, such short shoots was likely to shoot up the budget by a reasonable amount. The producers were willing to provide a luxury vanity to Deepika for rest, in return of longer shoot hours, but she refused. They also tried to negotiate finances, given that even Prabhas had not asked for an increment in fees. She and her team refused to adjust on either."

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Deepika Padukone allegedly wanted luxury accommodation and food for her huge team from the producers of Kalki 2898 AD 

Deepika Padukone reportedly has a team of 25 people following her on sets. The source stated that, in addition to the pay hike and work hour demands, the actress' team was also asked to be provided with five-star accommodation and food reimbursement throughout the shooting process. The report suggests that this expense was not included in her fee and had to be covered by the production team. The source shared:

“Deepika’s team is a big one with almost 25 people travelling with her on the sets. They demanded a five-star accommodation and reimbursement for food through the shoot for her entourage. Why should the producers pay for the stay and food of an actor, over and above the fees? This is an issue that a lot of Hindi producers also face."

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Similar demands were reported for Deepika Padukone's exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit 

After Deepika Padukone had backed out from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit, starring Prabhas, and was replaced by Triptii Dimri, reports of her demands made headlines. She had reportedly asked for an 8-hour workday, Rs. 20 crores plus profit sharing as her fee, and had refused to deliver the dialogues in Telugu. However, neither Sandeep Vanga nor the producers of the Kalki franchise have officially confirmed these reports about the actress' alleged exorbitant demands. Although the latter hinted towards 'commitment' issues in a tweet on September 18, 2025, announcing Deepika's exit from Kalki 2898 AD sequel.  

What are your thoughts on these alleged demands of Deepika Padukone for Spirit and the Kalki franchise? Let us know. 

Also Read: Aryan Khan's 'The Ba***ds Of Bollywood' Cameos, Ranbir Kapoor Rejected, Salman Khan Scared Of 'Papa'

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