Lokah star Kalyani Priyadarshan reacts to rumours of replacing Deepika Padukone in Kalki 2898 AD sequel

Kalyani Priyadarshan

Actress Kalyani Priyadarshan is currently in the spotlight following her stellar performance in the blockbuster Malayalam film Lokah: Chapter 1 - Chandra. The actress essayed the role of Neeli, a vampire based on a popular character from Malayalam folklore. Owing to her performance in the film, fans on social media have begun speculating that she might be cast as the lead in Kalki 2898 AD's sequel, following Deepika Padukone's exit. Netizens have been naming several actresses, including Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra, and now Kalyani Priyadarshan, as potential replacements for Deepika in Nag Ashwin's ambitious sci-fi project.

Kalyani reacts to online chatter

Kalyani, who has previously expressed interest in being part of Kalki 2898 AD, reacted to the fan buzz in a recent conversation with ETimes.
"I think there was a section that said everything for every actor over there, but it was nice to see my name as part of that list for sure. It was very sweet to see my name included. But it's hard for me to comment on the direction they're going in. Obviously, to even be put in that list of names people want to see - it was a nice feeling because it's a new feeling that hasn't happened before," she said.

Deepika Padukone on her exit from Kalki 2898 AD

A few weeks ago, the makers of Kalki 2898 AD officially announced that Deepika Padukone would not be a part of the sequel. Their statement read, "After careful consideration, we have decided to part ways. Despite the long journey of making the first film, we were unable to find a partnership. A film like Kalki 2898 AD deserves that commitment and much more. We wish her the best with her future projects."

Later, in an interview with CNBC-TV18, Deepika addressed the controversy, saying, "By virtue of being a woman, if that's coming across as being pushy or whatever, then so be it. But it's no secret that a lot of male superstars in the Indian film industry have been working eight-hour days for years, and it's never made headlines."

It was reported that the actress walked out of the film after disagreements over fixed working hours and remuneration.