Prabhas’s Kalki 2898 AD, released in 2024, became a global sensation, earning record-breaking collections and crossing the ₹1000 crore mark. The film’s star-studded cast, including Deepika Padukone, made just as many headlines as its success at the box office. Naturally, expectations were sky-high for the sequel, which is scheduled to begin filming in late 2025.

However, fans were left shocked after reports confirmed that Deepika Padukone has officially stepped away from Kalki 2898 AD Part 2. Deepika played a key role in the first installment, and her sudden exit has sparked intense discussion among moviegoers.

Nag Ashwin’s Response

Director Nag Ashwin broke his silence on the matter, though indirectly. He shared a scene from the first film in which Krishna enters the battlefield and wrote:
“You can’t change what happened, but you can choose what comes next.”

The cryptic yet hopeful message came less than 24 hours after Deepika’s departure was confirmed. While Ashwin did not mention Deepika directly, fans were quick to connect the dots, interpreting it as the filmmaker’s way of moving forward despite the setback.

Fans React

The news of Deepika’s exit has divided the internet. One user commented, “At least this person is trying to stay positive.” Another speculated, “It seems the producers are upset with Deepika.” Some fans suggested that Deepika, who recently embraced motherhood, might be finding it difficult to manage large-scale projects alongside personal commitments.