In a major development for one of Indian cinema’s most ambitious franchises, Vyjayanthi Movies has officially confirmed that Deepika Padukone will not reprise her role as SUM-80 in the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. The announcement, made on September 18, 2025, has sparked intense discussion across the film industry and among fans worldwide.
The production house said in its statement that the decision was made “after careful consideration”, emphasizing that the sequel to the sci-fi blockbuster required “commitment and much more.” This signals that scheduling conflicts and unresolvable differences between the makers and the actress led to her departure. While specific details have not been disclosed, the studio underscored that the sequel’s scale and expectations demanded unwavering focus.
Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin and released in 2024, emerged as a landmark in Indian cinema. Blending mythology with futuristic storytelling, the film brought together superstars Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Deepika Padukone in pivotal roles. It grossed over ₹1,000 crore worldwide, setting new benchmarks for both science fiction storytelling and box office reach in India.
Deepika’s portrayal of SUM-80, a genetically engineered character central to the film’s dystopian narrative, was hailed for its emotional depth and strong screen presence. Her absence in the sequel is therefore seen as a significant shift in the franchise’s continuity.
Comparisons To Her Exit From Spirit
This is the second time in recent months that Deepika has stepped away from a Prabhas-led project. Earlier in 2025, reports confirmed that she exited Spirit, citing similar issues of scheduling and alignment of commitments. Industry observers say the back-to-back exits raise questions about how creative timelines and personal schedules intersect in high-budget, multi-star ventures.
The Road Ahead For The Sequel
Filming for the Kalki 2898 AD sequel is slated to begin in December 2025, with Nag Ashwin returning to direct. The project has already generated huge anticipation, with expectations that it will expand on the mythological-futuristic universe introduced in the first installment.
Vyjayanthi Movies has not yet confirmed whether Deepika’s character SUM-80 will be recast or written out of the story. Social media platforms have been abuzz with speculation: some fans argue for a new actress to step into the role to preserve the continuity, while others believe the sequel could take the story in a new direction without the character.
Fan Reactions And Industry Response
Within hours of the announcement, discussions erupted on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and fan forums. Admirers of Deepika expressed disappointment, with many posting clips from her performance in the original film. At the same time, speculation about potential replacements—ranging from rising stars to established A-listers—dominated trending conversations.
Film trade analysts noted that while Deepika’s departure is a setback, it is unlikely to diminish the overall buzz surrounding the sequel. With Prabhas continuing as the lead and Nag Ashwin steering the creative vision, the project retains its blockbuster appeal. The production house is also expected to leverage the star power of Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan, who played pivotal roles in the first film, to ensure continuity and audience draw.
Larger Implications
Deepika Padukone’s exit highlights the challenges of aligning star availability with the timelines of large-scale franchises. With multiple international projects, endorsements, and personal commitments, her schedule has often been cited as one of the most demanding in the industry. For producers, this underscores the complexity of casting top global names in multi-year film projects that demand intense preparation and extended shooting calendars.
As the sequel moves closer to production, attention will remain focused on two questions: who will replace Deepika Padukone, and how will the filmmakers adapt the storyline to maintain the epic scope that audiences expect?
What is clear is that the departure of one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars will alter the dynamics of the Kalki 2898 AD universe. Yet with its proven global appeal and cinematic ambition, the franchise appears poised to push forward with or without its original female lead.
