Deepika Padukone not quitting ‘Kalki 2’ after 'Spirit' controversy with Sandeep Reddy Vanga

Reports have recently surfaced online suggesting that Deepika Padukone may have been dropped from Kalki 2, the follow-up to Kalki 2898 AD, which is directed by Nag Ashwin. The speculation is said to be linked to her alleged fallout with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga over a separate project, Spirit. However, individuals closely associated with Kalki 2 have strongly denied any such development.

Sources familiar with the situation clarified that Kalki 2 hasn’t even entered production yet. The sequel, which is still in the planning phase, has not begun casting or approached any actors. “There’s been no shoot, no interaction, and therefore, no fallout,” one source said. An insider quoted by NDTV also called the reports “completely baseless.”

The confusion is believed to have stemmed from earlier reports about Deepika’s exit from Spirit, a film directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. It was reported that the actor had asked for shorter working hours, a hike in remuneration, and a share in the profits—requests that reportedly didn’t go down well with the filmmaker. Following this, actress Triptii Dimri was reportedly brought on board, replacing Deepika.

Soon after, Sandeep Reddy Vanga shared a cryptic post on social media that many interpreted as a response to the controversy. Without naming anyone, he wrote, “When I narrate a story to an actor, I place 100% faith. There is an unsaid NDA 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? ... Aisa karo… Agli baar poori kahani bolna… kyunki mujhe zara bhi farak nahi padta. #dirtyPRgames ... '????? ??? ?????? ???? ????!'”

Meanwhile, Kalki 2 remains one of the most awaited films in Indian cinema. The first part featured an ensemble cast including Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Deepika Padukone and became a significant box office success. For now, there is no confirmation of any cast changes in Kalki 2, and all such rumours appear to be speculative at best.