Kalki 2898 AD makers officially removed Deepika Padukone over ‘demands of fee increase, five-star accommodation for 25 people’: report | Bollywood News

After Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit, actor Deepika Padukone walked out of Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD. The news was officially confirmed the production house Vyjayanthi Movies. The makers took to Vyjayanthi Movie’s official X account to state that they have parted ways with Deepika Padukone and that she won’t be a part of the film’s sequel where she played an important role.
The statement read: “This is to officially announce that Deepika Padukone 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.” It further claimed: “And a film like Kalki 2898 AD deserves that commitment and much more. We wish her the best with her future works.”

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…
— Vyjayanthi Movies (@VyjayanthiFilms) September 18, 2025
Soon after the news was confirmed, Bollywood Hungama reported that the makers took the decision after Deepika demanded a 25 percent increment in her fees and also 5-star accomodation for a team of 25 people.
A source told the publication: “Deepika Padukone demanded a 25 percent increment on the acting fees she was paid for the first part of the film. That’s not all, she put her foot down on shooting for just 7 hours a day. Given that Kalki 2898 AD is a VFX heavy film, such short shoots was likely to shoot up the budget a reasonable amount. The producers were willing to provide a luxury vanity to Deepika for rest, in return of longer shoot hours, but she refused. They also tried to negotiate finances, given that even Prabhas had not asked for an increment in fees. She and her team refused to adjust on either.”
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The source added: “Deepika’s team is a big one with almost 25 people travelling with her on the sets. They demanded a five-star accommodation and reimbursement for food through the shoot for her entourage. Why should the producers pay for the stay and food of an actor, over and above the fees? This is an issue that a lot of Hindi producers also face.”
The source further claimed that the makers requested the actor to reduce her team strength and work out the differences, but she was firm with her demands. “This was the issue on Spirit too. And now Kalki 2898 AD. Actors have to be more collaborative to make films work”, said the source.
Previously, when Deepika Padukone walked out of Spirit, it was reported that it was majorly because of her 8-hour shift demand. At that time, many came in her support while other maintained that creative jobs can’t be compared to corporate jobs.Story continues below this ad
Meanwhile, the makers claimed that the actress refused to speak her Telugu dialogues. She also increased her fees and demanded a profit share in the film. She was eventually removed from the film and replaced with Triptii Dimri.
Deepika Padukone is yet to react to the news.