Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has faced another setback, losing her role in the sequel to her hit film ‘Kalki 2898 AD’.
Announcement from the Makers
On social media, the film’s producers shared a detailed note explaining the reasons for her departure. They stated, “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.”
The statement raises questions without providing full clarity. The phrase “a film like @Kalki2898AD deserves that commitment and much more” hints at a recurring theme related to the actress’ previous exit from another project. Does this imply a lack of commitment on Deepika Padukone’s part?
Second Exit from a Film
Her exit from ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ marks her second departure from a film, following her decision to leave ‘Spirit’, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and featuring Prabhas. Reports suggest that Deepika requested an 8-hour shooting shift because of her responsibilities as a mother to her daughter, Dua.
Media reports indicated that disagreements over remuneration and contract terms, including clauses regarding extended working days and profit-sharing, also contributed to her exit from ‘Spirit’.
Director’s Response
Post her exit, director Sandeep Reddy Vanga took to social media to express his feelings, suggesting that Deepika breached trust by allegedly leaking details about the film. He criticized what he termed “dirty PR games” and expressed disappointment in her replacing a younger actress, Triptii Dimri.
He tweeted, “When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) between us. But by doing this, you’ve ‘DISCLOSED’ the person that you are…. Putting down a younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for? As a filmmaker, I put years of hard work behind my craft & for me, filmmaking is everything. You didn’t get it. You won’t get it. You will never get it. Aisa karo…. Agli baar poori kahani bolna… kyunki mujhe jarra bhi farak nahi padhta (Do one thing, next time, reveal the entire story, because it doesn’t make the slightest difference to me).”
Unrealistic Demands?
Another angle regarding her exit hints at unrealistic demands by actors concerning logistics and crew costs. However, the producers of ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ or Vanga have not explicitly stated these claims.
Recent reports have also pointed to a superstar couple reportedly causing issues for producers with their demands. Many speculate that this couple is Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, following an interview in which producer Sanjay Gupta mentioned that a superstar couple demanded 11 vanity vans.
Gupta shared a story about a Bollywood actor who arrived in six vans from Mumbai to shoot a South Indian film, resulting in a bill of around Rs 18 lakh for those entourage vehicles, ultimately leading to the film’s cancellation due to lack of prior communication.
Actor Aamir Khan has also brought attention to how such unrealistic demands from superstars put pressure on producers, increasing the financial risks for films and leading them towards potential losses.