Actor Deepika Padukone has stepped away from director Nag Ashwin’s highly anticipated sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, after her role was significantly reduced due to script changes, according to an India Today report.

Sources told India Today that the sequel, initially planned around her character SUM-80 (aka Sumathi), shifted gears during development, leaving her role reduced to little more than a cameo. Deepika and her team, expecting a full-fledged part in the sequel, chose to part ways.

Vyjayanthi Movies officially announced on September 18: “This is to officially announce that @deepikapadukone will not be a part of the upcoming sequel of #Kalki2898AD. 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. And a film like @Kalki2898AD deserves that commitment and much more. We wish her the best with her future works.”

While the announcement was diplomatically worded, internet speculation ran wild, with rumours questioning Deepika’s commitment, especially following her replacement in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit earlier this year.

According to reports, the changes in Kalki 2 may also be tied to Kamal Haasan’s increased screen presence. Haasan returns as Supreme Yaskin in the sequel with a darker, more intense avatar. His expanded role reportedly involves 60–70 days of shooting, offering him a substantially larger character arc than before.

Adding to the tensions, whispers about Deepika’s fee hike demands, limited working hours, and team accommodations reportedly complicated matters further.