Amid rumours of Sai Pallavi replacing Deepika Padukone in Kalki 2 following the latter's controversial exit, the makers have now confirmed that talks are underway. However, they highlighted how things are yet to be finalised
Sai Pallavi and Deepika Padukone
As the buzz about the sequel to Nag Ashwin’s sci-fi Kalki 2898 AD continues, every new update from the film has kept the fans on their toes. A few days ago, the film once again made headlines after reports emerged suggesting that the makers are planning on replacing Deepika Padukone, who quit the film in September 2025, with Sai Pallavi. Now, the makers have reacted to the reports.
Sai Pallavi to replace Deepika Padukone in Kalki 2?
Hindustan Times recently spoke to a representative of Kalki 2 about reports of Sai Pallavi being brought on board after Deepika Padukone’s exit. The representative confirmed that the makers are looking at Sai to replace Deepika.
“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,” they tell us. They also brushed off rumours that Sai has been finalised by Nag and that shooting will resume soon. “All these are just rumours because nothing has been finalised yet. Please wait for official confirmation,” they said. Notably, the producer and director are yet to release a statement on this.
Deepika Padukone's exit from Kalki 2
Deepika Padukone had a controversial exit from the sequel, which came to light in September 2025, soon after she stepped away from Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. According to reports, she had shot for nearly 20 days for the sequel before leaving due to a fee-related issue. Although neither Deepika nor the makers commented on the reason for her exit, the makers had confirmed the exit via a controversial X post.
In the first film, Deepika played the role of SUM-80, also called Sumati, who is a pregnant test subject in Project K and the prophesied mother of Kalki. After escaping from Supreme Yaskin’s lab, she is protected by Amitabh Bachchan’s character, Ashwatthama.
Produced by Vyjayanthi Movies, Kalki 2 is expected to continue exploring this storyline, making the role and casting of SUM-80 a crucial one. And with reports of Sai Pallavi now possibly coming on board, fans are eager to see how the role may evolve.
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