Sai Pallavi Tipped as Front-Runner to Replace Deepika Padukone in ‘Kalki: 2898 AD’ Sequel
After Deepika’s high-profile exit over commitment and work-condition concerns, reports suggest the makers are considering Sai Pallavi for the much-awaited second chapter of Prabhas’ sci-fi epic.
The sequel to Kalki: 2898 AD has been surrounded by intense speculation ever since the makers officially confirmed Deepika Padukone’s exit from the franchise in September 2025. The production team announced that they had mutually decided to part ways, stating that a project of Kalki’s scale “deserves commitment and much more,” hinting at differences that could not be resolved despite the long journey of making the first film. The announcement immediately triggered conversations across the industry and among fans, especially because Deepika’s character, Sumathi (Sum-80), was expected to play a significant role in the continuation of the story alongside Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan and the extended ensemble cast.
In the weeks that followed, several reports suggested that the decision stemmed from negotiations around remuneration and working hours, with claims that Deepika had sought a substantial fee hike and fixed daily shooting limits, which reportedly proved difficult for a VFX-heavy, large-scale production to accommodate. Addressing the broader debate later in an interview, Deepika spoke about long-standing discussions on pay parity and working conditions in the industry, stating that she prefers to fight her professional battles quietly and with dignity, even when such matters unexpectedly become public.
Amid this backdrop, fresh reports now indicate that Sai Pallavi is being strongly considered as Deepika’s replacement in the sequel. While there has been no official confirmation from the filmmakers or the actress yet, multiple entertainment portals suggest that conversations are underway and that Sai Pallavi has emerged as a leading contender for the role. Known for her grounded performances and massive fan following across South Indian cinema, Sai Pallavi’s potential casting has already generated excitement among audiences who are curious to see how the character might evolve in the next chapter.
Interestingly, Sai Pallavi’s calendar is already packed with major projects. She is set to play Sita in Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious adaptation of Ramayana, which features Ranbir Kapoor as Ram and Yash as Ravana, making it one of the most anticipated Indian films in production. She is also expected to appear in Ek Din, opposite Junaid Khan, further strengthening her presence in mainstream Hindi cinema. If the Kalki deal materialises, it would mark another significant step in her pan-India career trajectory.
For now, fans will have to wait for an official announcement to confirm whether Sai Pallavi indeed steps into the universe of Kalki: 2898 AD. Until then, the casting buzz continues to fuel curiosity about how the makers plan to shape the sequel and maintain the momentum created by the first film’s massive success.
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