Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone is said to have stepped away from the highly anticipated sequel Kalki 2898 AD 2, headlined by Prabhas. The news follows her earlier departure from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s film Spirit, igniting debates over working conditions, motherhood, and gender equity in Indian cinema.
In This Article:
A Pattern Emerging: From Spirit to Kalki 2
Deepika’s move comes on the heels of her contentious exit from Spirit. Reports indicate she requested an eight-hour workday—a plausible request shaped by her return to work as a new mother after delivering daughter Dua in September 2024. While Spirit producers reportedly found accommodating such schedules challenging, speculation is mounting that a similar inability to adapt may have caused friction on Kalki 2’s set.
Motherhood and the Motherload Debate
Padukone’s demand for an eight-hour shooting day touches on a broader industry-wide issue: work-life balance, especially for postpartum actresses. Veteran actor Pankaj Tripathi recently echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries:
“Nahi, itna hi hoga”—translating to “No, this much is enough”—he said .
Simultaneously, icons like Madhuri Dixit and Mani Ratnam have backed the shift toward prioritizing physical and mental health for working mothers. Ratnam described Deepika’s demand as “rightful” , and Narayani Shastri argued that after childbirth, women “should rest”—voicing support for Deepika’s decision .
Creative Vision vs. Practical Challenges
Kalki 2 follows the sci-fi blockbuster Kalki 2898 AD, co-starring Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Disha Patani. Director Nag Ashwin and producers Priyanka and Swapna Dutt had previously confirmed that approximately 30–35% of the sequel was already filmed alongside the original in 2023.
While the Dutt sisters stated Deepika would continue her role as the child-bearing mother in at least part of Kalki 2, they did not address any potential exit. Official statements have avoided commenting on recent rumors.
If Padukone has indeed exited, it raises major questions about the creative continuity of the sequel. With one-third already shot, recalibrating storylines or recasting may become necessary, potentially leading to reshoots and budget escalations.
Rumors, Denials, and Leaks
Before Kalki 2, controversy surrounded Spirit. Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga implied someone from the cast might have leaked the script, fuelling speculation and tension. Although unnamed, many industry insiders pointed fingers at Deepika, though no official confirmation exists. The leak talk heightened after her Spirit exit, creating a contentious backdrop.
Amid swirling rumors of A-rated scenes and creative friction, production teams have refrained from issuing clarifying statements. Likewise, Deepika’s side has remained silent, neither confirming nor denying the speculations.
Impact on Industry and Upcoming Projects
Padukone’s dual exits highlight two converging trends:
- Postpartum Labor Rights—The entertainment industry is confronting demands for humane work schedules for returning mothers.
- Casting Flexibility and Continuity Risks—Major series needing continuity, like Kalki 2, may face disruption when a star exits mid-production.
For Kalki 2, the exit of a key actor might result in costly delays, script changes, or even character reimagination. Similarly, Spirit may need to cast a fresh female lead opposite Prabhas, altering its original vision.
Looking Ahead
- Official Confirmation—As of June 6, 2025, no formal press release has come from Deepika, Vyjayanthi Movies, or Spirit producers confirming or denying her departure.
- Alternate Casting? Industry chatter suggests producers might redesign or downscale Deepika’s role in Kalki 2, or possibly recast entirely.
- Production Timeline—Shooting for Kalki 2 is expected to resume later this year—though dates remain unsealed by the makers. Any delays could shift release timelines into late 2026 or early 2027.
Why This Matters
- Gender Equality in Bollywood—Deepika’s stance may set a precedent for fair working hours and wellness considerations for actresses, especially mothers.
- Financial and Logistical Stakes—Both Spirit and Kalki 2 are high-budget projects. Any change in casting or shoot schedules may reverberate through budgets, release dates, and marketing strategies.
- Setting a New Norm—If respected names like Deepika and Pankaj Tripathi succeed in normalizing humane working conditions, Indian cinema could shift toward sustainable scheduling models.
By – Sonali
