Will Deepika Padukone be replaced in Kalki 2? Director reportedly exploring options

Will Deepika Padukone return in Kalki 2?

Deepika Padukone is currently making headlines because of her abrupt exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit.

And now escalating her set of rumoures, the new speculation is now rife that the acclaimed actress could also be replaced in the much-anticipated sequel, Kalki 2. While some sources have insisted that such rumours are untrue, fresh reports are painting a different picture.

Telugu360 recently revealed that director Nag Ashwin is considering replacing Deepika in Kalki 2. Her character is thought to have a more significant role in the sequel because the director has given her a more significant arc. However, the production team is allegedly having trouble due to Deepika's strict work conditions.

Reportedly, she has been labelled a “big headache” by insiders due to her unwillingness to compromise on her working hours or adjust her schedule to meet the film’s requirements. These inflexibilities are allegedly prompting Ashwin to explore other casting options. However, there has been no official confirmation on this matter thus far.

On Friday, a social media post from the Instagram handle Bollywood.mobi further claimed that Deepika’s preference for shorter working days following motherhood was “causing friction on sets,” and that the production team was considering scaling back or eliminating her role altogether.

Later that day, sources associated with the project refuted these claims. In a statement to NDTV, an insider clarified, “They (Kalki 2 makers) haven’t even approached actors because it’s still in development,” before adding, “There’s been no shoot, no interaction, and therefore, no fallout.”

This is not the first time the actress has faced such complications. In the case of Spirit, Deepika was allegedly removed after negotiations fell through regarding her demands — which reportedly included an eight-hour workday, a substantial salary, and a share in the film’s profits. Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga later took to X (formerly Twitter) to air his grievances publicly.

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“When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) between us. But by doing this, You’ve ‘DISCLOSED’ the person that you are… Putting down a Younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for? As a filmmaker, I put years of hard work behind my craft & for me, filmmaking is everything. You didn’t get it. You won’t get it. You will never get it,” Vanga posted.

He concluded with a Hindi proverb and a pointed hashtag: “Aisa karo… Agli baar poori kahani bolna… kyunki mujhe jarra bhi farak nahi padtha. #dirtyPRgames. I like this kahawath very much खुंदक में बिल्ली खंबा नोचे !”

After she left, it was announced that Triptii Dimri would be joining Spirit's cast.

Regarding Kalki 2, everyone is watching Nag Ashwin and his next move; it is still unclear how Deepika is involved.