Speculation is rife in Bollywood circles that superstar Deepika Padukone might be stepping away from the much-anticipated sequel, ‘Kalki 2’, due to her reported demand for reduced work hours. This comes on the heels of similar reports surrounding her alleged exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s upcoming film, ‘Spirit’, also citing work-hour preferences.
Sources close to the production of ‘Kalki 2’, starring Prabhas, suggest that Padukone’s request for shorter working days, particularly after embracing motherhood, is creating “friction on sets.” While there has been no official confirmation from the filmmakers or Padukone’s team, the buzz indicates that the makers of ‘Kalki 2’ are contemplating either significantly reducing her role or potentially recasting the part altogether.
This developing situation mirrors the recent controversy surrounding ‘Spirit’. Reports had previously surfaced that Deepika Padukone was no longer part of ‘Spirit’ because of her conditions, which reportedly included an eight-hour workday, a substantial fee (rumored to be around ₹20 crore), and a share in the film’s profits. Director Sandeep Reddy Vanga had publicly expressed his displeasure on social media, alluding to a breach of trust and “dirty PR games,” though he did not directly name Padukone. Following these reports, actress Triptii Dimri was announced as the new female lead in ‘Spirit’.
For a top-tier actress like Deepika Padukone, who commands significant remuneration and has a slew of upcoming projects including ‘Singham Again’, ‘Tiger Vs Pathaan’, and ‘Brahmastra Part Two: Dev’, the demand for flexible work schedules post-maternity is not entirely unexpected. While the Indian film industry is known for its often demanding and lengthy shooting schedules, especially for lead actors, a growing number of artists are advocating for better work-life balance.
Director Nag Ashwin had previously confirmed that filming for ‘Kalki 2’ is slated to begin in December 2025, with a potential release by the end of 2026. He had also mentioned that the sequel would delve deeper into Prabhas’s character, Karna, and explore his connection with Amitabh Bachchan’s Ashwatthama. With Padukone’s alleged demands, the makers now face the challenge of navigating these production complexities.
The ongoing reports highlight a broader conversation within the industry about actors’ contractual obligations and the evolving landscape of work-life balance, particularly for female stars post-motherhood. As fans eagerly await official statements, the uncertainty surrounding Deepika Padukone’s involvement in ‘Kalki 2’ continues to be a hot topic of discussion in Bollywood.