​Deepika Padukone will not return for the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. On Thursday, production banner Vyjayanthi Movies announced her departure, citing an inability to reach an agreement regarding certain “commitments.” The official statement, shared on their social media channels, implied a need for an actor who could dedicate more time to the project.

Parts of Kalki 2898AD sequel already shot

​This news comes just months after reports surfaced that Deepika had also declined to star in Prabhas’s upcoming film Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. That decision was reportedly due to demands she made prior to production, owing to her new responsibilities as a mother. Deepika filmed parts of Kalki 2898 AD while pregnant, with her husband Ranveer Singh jokingly calling the movie their child’s debut. Kalki 2898 AD, produced on a massive budget of over ₹700 crore, was described as the most expensive film in Indian cinema history. It achieved moderate box office success, grossing over ₹1000 crore worldwide, and marked Prabhas’s return to success after nearly a decade.

What the production house says about Deepika Padukone’s exit

​Vyjayanthi Movies’ statement on Thursday read: “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’s earlier departure from Spirit sparked a debate over her alleged demands for a strict eight-hour shift. While many supported her, others opposed it. Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga even indirectly accused her of leaking story elements and maligning her replacement, Triptii Dimri. Although Deepika has not had a solo hit in several years, she has been part of major blockbusters like Pathaan and Jawan, both starring Shah Rukh Khan. She is set to reunite with Shah Rukh in Siddharth Anand’s upcoming film King.

​In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar following the Spirit controversy, Deepika stated that she “drowns out the noise” when it becomes too loud, preferring to work with like-minded people. “I just listen to my gut, what feels right,” she said. “When you shut out the noise around you, and you listen to just your gut, I think the answers are always there. Wanting to collaborate with people that I know I am gonna have a good time working with. Being surrounded by family and friends and being authentic is how I think I am able to find my balance.”