The sequel to Nag Ashwin's blockbuster sci-fi epic, Kalki 2898 AD, is already facing major turbulence. Just a week after the producers, Vyjayanthi Movies, officially announced they were parting ways with Deepika Padukone, reports have surfaced claiming the actress had already completed nearly 20 days of shooting for the second installment. This shocking revelation has intensified the speculation surrounding her abrupt departure from the Prabhas-starrer, turning a simple casting change into a full-blown Bollywood-Tollywood drama.
The Twist: Filming Done, Yet Partnership Lost
Deepika Padukone’s exit was officially cited by the production house as an inability to "find a partnership" for a film that "deserves that commitment and much more." While this hinted at scheduling conflicts or perhaps creative differences, the news that she had already shot significant portions for 'Kalki 2'—often filmed concurrently with the first part—adds a significant layer of confusion.
According to industry reports, director Nag Ashwin himself had confirmed in interviews that some scenes for the sequel, centered around Deepika’s character SUM-80, were shot in advance. This suggests the breakdown in the relationship was not about the creative vision or lack of time, but something that occurred during the negotiation phase for the next major schedule.
The Rumoured Sticking Point: A Bold Negotiation
The prevailing narrative strongly points towards a dispute over remuneration and working conditions as the decisive factor. Reports suggest that Deepika’s team initiated a bold negotiation, demanding a fee hike significantly higher than 25% for the sequel, driven by the star’s perceived irreplaceable value following the success of the first film and the pivotal nature of her role.
However, the reported demands extended beyond just the paycheck. Sources indicate that the actress allegedly insisted on limiting her daily shooting shift to just 7 hours and requested five-star accommodation for her substantial 25-member crew. The producers, already dealing with the complex, VFX-heavy logistics of the sci-fi project, reportedly found these demands—especially the restrictive shooting hours—impossible to accommodate without severely impacting the budget and schedule. This insistence on strict terms, which allegedly hampered previous collaborations like the shelved Spirit with Sandeep Reddy Vanga, ultimately led to the production house deciding to move forward without her.
Irreplaceable Role: A Risk for the Franchise
The dilemma for the Kalki franchise now lies in the significance of Deepika's character, SUM-80. Her emotional and narrative arc was a major cliffhanger in the first part, making her role critical to the sequel. Fans are left wondering how the filmmakers—Nag Ashwin and Vyjayanthi Movies—will pivot. Will they recast the character, rewrite the sequel’s script to minimise her presence, or use the pre-shot 20 days of footage to create a conclusive narrative arc?
For an actress of Deepika Padukone’s stature, demanding premium pay and favorable work conditions is a reflection of her market value and position in the industry. However, the producer's decision to walk away, despite having already filmed major scenes, signals a clear boundary: the commitment to the film's logistical needs and budget ultimately trumped the star power, leaving fans to ponder the real cost of a high-stakes #BollywoodBuzz negotiation gone wrong.
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