Hyderabad :
Vyjayanthi Movies has officially confirmed that Deepika Padukone will not be part of the upcoming sequel to the Prabhas starrer Kalki. In a statement posted by the production house, the makers said they arrived at the decision “after careful consideration” and that, although Deepika played a significant role in the first instalment, she will not feature in the second. “A film like Kalki requires total commitment. We wish Deepika all the best,” the statement read.
Kalki marked Deepika Padukone’s maiden outing in Telugu cinema and her character gained notable attention and acclaim. Industry expectations were high for her to reprise the role in a sequel where her part was widely believed to be pivotal. The sudden removal of the actor from the project, therefore, comes as a major development.
According to industry reports, the split stems from creative and logistical disagreements between the actress and the production team. The sequel described by the makers as an ambitious, labour-intensive enterprise demands extensive time and dedication from its principal cast. Vyjayanthi Movies has emphasised that while it is prepared to meet reasonable requirements around remuneration and treatment, the project cannot accommodate conditions that go beyond the production’s capacity or the film’s needs.
Media accounts have also pointed to past instances where similar disagreements between high-profile actors and filmmakers led to exits from large projects. The production house indicated that the decision was made in the best interests of the film’s schedule and creative integrity.
The development raises questions about the sequel’s casting and scheduling. For Deepika, who is an established star in Bollywood, the split may influence future opportunities in the South Indian film market — a point widely discussed in trade circles. Vyjayanthi Movies has not announced a replacement or an updated timeline for shooting; further casting details and production plans are expected to follow.
For now, the makers and the actor appear to be parting ways amicably, with the studio publicly extending its best wishes to Deepika as it moves forward with the next phase of the Kalki franchise.
