Sai Pallavi all set to replace Deepika Padukone in Kalki 2898 AD Part 2? Makers respond

Sai Pallavi replaces Deepika Padukone Kalki AD 2?

• Sai Pallavi may replace Deepika Padukone as SUM-80 in the sequel.
• No official casting or filming announcements have been made yet
• Kalki 2898 AD grossed Rs 1042 crore worldwide since its June 2024 release

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Excitement around the sequel to Nag Ashwin’s sci-fi spectacle Kalki 2898 AD is building once again, even though the makers have stayed completely silent about what comes next.

With Vyjayanthi Movies and the filmmaker choosing not to make any announcements, social media has stepped in to fill the gap, with rumours and leaked updates reigniting interest in the Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan-starrer.

One of the biggest questions fans have been asking is about the future of SUM-80, the character played by Deepika Padukone in the first film, and whether Sai Pallavi is set to take over the role.

Hindustan Times reported that as per the film’s team, Sai Pallavi is being considered for the role. “Nothing has been finalised yet. But yes, the makers are looking at Sai to play SUM-80 after Deepika’s exit. They think she’ll be a perfect fit for the role,” the representative shared.

However, they were quick to shut down rumours claiming that casting has been finalised or that filming is about to resume. “All these are just rumours because nothing has been finalised yet. Please wait for official confirmation,” they added. So far, neither Nag Ashwin nor Vyjayanthi Movies has commented publicly.

Deepika Padukone reportedly exited the sequel in September 2025, shortly after stepping away from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit. At the time, reports suggested she had already filmed for around 20 days before creative and financial differences led to her departure. Since then, speculation has been rife about her replacement.

Also Read: Sai Pallavi officially joins Dhanush's D55, reunites with the actor after Maari

In Kalki 2898 AD, SUM-80, also known as Sumati, is a pregnant subject of Project K and the prophesied mother of Kalki. After escaping from Supreme Yaskin’s laboratory — played by Kamal Haasan — she finds protection under Amitabh Bachchan’s Ashwatthama.

The film ends with Prabhas’ Bhairava escaping with a pregnant SUM-80, as Ashwatthama realises Bhairava is the reincarnation of Karna. Meanwhile, Yaskin, newly empowered after injecting himself with SUM-80’s foetal serum, vows to hunt her down himself.

Released in June 2024, Kalki 2898 AD became a box-office juggernaut, collecting Rs 1042 crore worldwide.