In a surprising turn of events, Deepika Padukone has departed from the sequel of Kalki 2898 AD, stirring excitement among fans and the industry. Directed by Nag Ashwin and featuring stars like Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan, Deepika was set to play a prominent role. Her unexpected exit has sparked questions regarding the future of this ambitious sci-fi franchise. While the production team attributed the departure to ‘creative differences,’ sources indicate a more intricate situation. Deepika is said to have requested a 25 percent increase in her original pay, despite having previously agreed to a set fee for the project. The production team, which had been in discussions with her for several months, deemed the new demands unmanageable.
Additionally, insiders reveal that the actress insisted on a maximum workday of seven hours. Given the VFX-intensive nature of Kalki 2898 AD, such limited hours could lead to significantly heightened costs. Furthermore, her team reportedly sought five-star accommodations and meal reimbursements for an entourage of nearly 25 individuals, requests that the producers found unacceptable. Speculation also arises as reports suggest Deepika has committed her time to a project with Atlee and Allu Arjun, further complicating scheduling.
