When it comes to star power in Bollywood, very few names shine as brightly as Deepika Padukone. But lately, her career graph has taken a surprising twist. In just a few months, she has walked out of not one, but two of the biggest projects on the Indian cinema map—the Spirit movie and the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, both led by Telugu superstar Prabhas.
Fans are shocked, the industry is buzzing, and everyone’s asking the same question: what really happened?
The Kalki 2898 AD Sequel Exit
The first shocker came this week when Vyjayanthi Movies, the banner behind the sci-fi spectacle Kalki 2898 AD, put out a public note on social media. And let’s be honest—it wasn’t the usual sugar-coated “scheduling conflict” explanation we often hear in Bollywood.
They wrote, “After careful consideration, we have decided to part ways… A film like Kalki 2898 AD deserves that commitment and much more.”
That one word—commitment—stood out like a sore thumb.
For context, Deepika played Sumathi in the first film, a pivotal character who carried the emotional weight of the story. To suddenly step away from the sequel left fans scratching their heads. Rumors suggest it came down to disagreements over work hours and payments. Deepika, being a new mom, reportedly wanted a more balanced schedule. But for a mega-budget project like Kalki 2898 AD, the makers seemed to want an “all-in” dedication.
Spirit Movie: The First Fallout
Before this, Deepika had already made headlines for parting ways with Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit, another ambitious Prabhas project. That story was even messier.
Word in the industry was that Deepika asked for shorter shooting days and a bigger paycheck—plus a share of the profits. These requests aren’t unheard of in global cinema, but Vanga, known for his blunt style, didn’t take them lightly.
In fact, he posted a cryptic but fiery message online (without naming names) accusing an actor of breaking an “unsaid NDA” and playing “dirty PR games.” He even dragged feminism into the mix, which only added more fuel to the fire.
Soon after, Triptii Dimri was announced as the new female lead opposite Prabhas in Spirit movie.
What Does This Mean for the Industry?
Now, two back-to-back exits from two massive films don’t just affect Deepika’s career—they highlight a bigger shift in the Indian film industry.
On one side, you have an actor like Deepika Padukone, who has earned the right to demand better working conditions and fairer deals. She’s one of the biggest stars in the country, and she’s not wrong to want shorter hours, especially as she balances motherhood.
On the other side, big-ticket projects like the Kalki 2898 AD sequel or the Spirit movie are huge gambles with crores of rupees at stake. Producers and directors want cast members who can give their undivided time and energy, without compromise.
So, is this a clash of egos, or just a natural growing pain as Bollywood and South Indian cinema merge into one big pan-India industry? Maybe a bit of both.
What’s Next for Deepika Padukone?
If you think this marks a slowdown in Deepika’s career, think again. She still has some very exciting projects lined up. One of the biggest is her upcoming film with Atlee and Allu Arjun, which is already generating buzz.
Sure, fans are disappointed she won’t return for Kalki 2898 AD or Spirit. But Deepika seems to be drawing her own lines—choosing projects that fit her life and her values rather than blindly chasing blockbusters.
In a way, that’s refreshing to see. After all, how many top actors in India dare to say “no” to films of this scale?
Final Word
The double exit of Deepika Padukone from Spirit and the Kalki 2898 AD sequel has shaken up the film industry, but it also sends a strong message. Stars are no longer just faces for posters; they’re professionals who want their terms respected. Whether that sits well with big studios like Vyjayanthi Movies or directors like Sandeep Reddy Vanga is another story.
For now, what’s certain is this—Deepika Padukone isn’t done making headlines. She’s just choosing her battles more carefully. And love her or not, you have to admit… that takes guts.
