Deepika Padukone walked out/was ousted from Kalki 2898 sequel, and it has been a while since there has been any update on it. While many believed that her role might be scrapped, it looks like the makers have found someone else to step in, and it is none other than Sai Pallavi.

Here’s all about it.

As per a report in Bollywood Hungama, Sai will be replacing Deepika. The report also said, “There was never any question of scrapping the role after Deepika’s exit. Deepika wanted almost 35 per cent more for the sequel than what she received for the first film. It became difficult to align on terms. She eventually exited, and now Sai Pallavi has stepped in.”

Credit: Vyajanthi Movies

It was back in September 2025 that the makers took to social media and announced via their official X handle that the actress is not a part of the sequel anymore as the movie deserves commitment.

“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," it read.

Later, multiple reports claimed multiple things on why Kalki 2 makers dropped Deepika, including her demand for a 25 per cent hike and a cut down on the work shift. Reports also had it that while the makers tried to negotiate, she refused to give in.

Meanwhile, Deepika had also spoken about the debate surrounding working conditions and pay parity in Bollywood weeks after her exit from the movie. She said, “I have done this at many levels; this is not new to me. I think, even as far as pay is concerned, I have had to deal with whatever comes with it. I don’t even know what to call it, but I am someone who has always fought my battles silently. And for some strange reason, sometimes they become public which is not the way I know and not the way I’ve been brought up. But yes, to fight my battles silently and in a dignified way is the way I know."

Lead and social image credits: Instagram/saipallavi.senthamarai