Deepika Padukone Exits 'Kalki 2898 AD' Sequel As Her Role Was Reduced To A Cameo? Insider Reveals

Deepika Padukone is no longer part of the ensemble cast of Kalki 2898 AD sequel. She opted out of the big-budget Nag Ashwin project months before it went on floors. The actress' exit from the Prabhas-starrer came right after she left Sandeep Reddy Vanga's Spirit. It sparked fan discussions about what might have happened between Deepika and the filmmakers. While there are varied versions of the reason for Deepika's exit from Kalki 2, here's the most recent one, coming from an industry insider.

Deepika Padukone quit the Kalki 2898 AD sequel due to a change in the script?

Several reports claimed that Deepika Padukone's big list of demands and non-compromising attitude have caused a clash with the moviemakers, leading to her exit. However, recently, a source close to the production team of Kalki 2898 AD told India Today that the real reason was something else. As per them, the movie's second instalment was initially planned around Deepika's character, 'Sumati' or 'Sum 80'. Her character development was supposed to be the central focus of the movie.

However, after a few days, the moviemakers informed her that there had been drastic changes in the script. The insider mentioned that Deepika was shocked to know that she would no longer be the main character of Kalki 2898 AD sequel. As per them, she wasn't even offered a supporting role; instead, her character was reduced to a cameo. That did not sit right with the Pathan actress, who attempted to discuss the matter with the team, but to no avail. Due to being unable to find common ground, she opted out of the project.

Kalki 2898 AD makers cited Deepika Padukone's commitment issue as the reason for her exit

The makers of the dystopian, epic-based sci-fi movie presented a very different reason for Deepika's exit from Kalki 2898 AD. They posted an official statement on their social media handles, sharing that it was a commitment issue on the actress' part that led them to decide to part ways. The notice is highly contradictory to what the insider shared with India Today, and it is hard to fathom which one to believe. The official notice included that the production team was 'unable to find a partnership' with Deepika. It could be read as:

"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 @Kalki2898AD deserves that commitment and much more. We wish her the best with her future works."

Deepika Padukone reportedly demanded an increase in pay and reduced work hours

Amid the debate surrounding the reason for Deepika quitting the Amitabh Bachchan-starrer project, another angle regarding Deepika's demand for a 25% fee hike and a 7-hour shift had surfaced. A source close to the production team of Kalki 2898 AD shared that those demands were what made the filmmakers part ways with her. Deepika reportedly requested reduced work hours to spend more time with her daughter, Dua. Regarding the pay rise, it didn't seem feasible to the team, who already had a lot to spend on, due to Kalki 2898 AD being a VFX-heavy project.

What are your thoughts on the alleged real reason for Deepika Padukone quitting the Kalki 2898 AD sequel? Let us know.

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