PTC Web Desk: Actor Deepika Padukone, who portrayed SUM-80 (Sumathi) in Nag Ashwin’s ambitious sci-fi epic 'Kalki 2898 AD', will not be returning for the sequel. The makers, Vyjayanthi Movies, confirmed her exit through an official statement on X, citing an inability to establish a long-term collaboration with the star.

“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,” the statement read. The production house also wished her success in her future projects, adding that a film of this scale requires absolute commitment.

Nag Ashwin recently revealed that the sequel is likely to go on floors towards the end of this year.

In Kalki 2898 AD, inspired by the Mahabharata and set in a dystopian world, Deepika played the role of SUM-80, the prophesied mother of Kalki and a key subject in Project K. She shot her portions during pregnancy, a fact that had drawn much attention at the time.

This isn’t the first major project Deepika Padukone has stepped away from in recent months. Earlier in 2024, she opted out of Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit due to reported disagreements over shooting schedules, remuneration, and profit-sharing terms.

With Deepika Padukone’s exit, fans are now curious about who will step into the role in the much-anticipated sequel, which continues to star Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Disha Patani.