Deepika Padukone dropped from major Tollywood film project.
The announcement follows reports from earlier this year that Deepika Padukone had declined to star in Spirit, actor Prabhas’ highly anticipated film with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, fueling fresh speculation about her shifting priorities in Tollywood projects.
Hyderabad: It seems Deepika Padukone’s journey in the Telugu film industry has hit a bump. After her grand debut in Kalki 2898 AD, which positioned her as one of the leading ladies of Tollywood alongside Prabhas, the actress will not be returning for the film’s sequel. The announcement has surprised fans, who had expected to see her reprise the role of Sumathi in the next installment of the much-hyped sci-fi franchise.
On Thursday, production house Vyjayanthi Movies issued an official statement confirming the news. While praising Deepika’s contribution to the first film, the makers said they were unable to align her schedule with the massive demands of the sequel.
And a film like @Kalki2898AD deserves that commitment and much more.
The wording of the announcement has fueled speculation that scheduling conflicts and work-hour preferences were at the heart of the decision. Industry insiders suggest that Deepika, now balancing personal responsibilities with her professional career, has been more selective about projects, insisting on limited work hours and time for family.
The development comes just months after another high-profile exit — when Deepika reportedly turned down Spirit, director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ambitious collaboration with Prabhas. That decision had already raised eyebrows, particularly after Vanga made sharp remarks in interviews, hinting at creative differences and indirectly questioning Deepika’s commitment.
Together, the back-to-back exits have triggered a larger debate in Tollywood about the challenges of collaborating with top Bollywood stars, who bring enormous star power but also come with busy schedules and stricter terms. Some trade analysts argue that Tollywood’s mega-productions, which often span years in development, demand a level of availability that is difficult for actors juggling multiple industries.
For Deepika, however, the exits may represent a strategic choice rather than a setback. Her role in Kalki 2898 AD was widely appreciated, cementing her versatility in a futuristic narrative. Yet, taking a step back from long-term, high-commitment projects may allow her to focus on shorter, impactful films, endorsements, and international collaborations.
Among fans, reactions have been mixed. While some expressed disappointment at not seeing her continue as Sumathi, others supported her decision, pointing out that personal priorities and mental well-being should come first. On social media, messages like “She already gave us an iconic performance, let her choose what works best for her” trended alongside hashtags thanking her for her contribution to Kalki.
The Telugu industry, meanwhile, is left with the challenge of recasting one of its key female roles in a franchise that has built immense expectations. Speculation is already rife about which actress might step into Deepika’s shoes, with names from both Tollywood and Bollywood being floated.
As for Deepika, her next move will be closely watched. Whether she chooses another southern venture, a big Bollywood drama, or a Hollywood project, one thing remains clear: her choices continue to spark conversations well beyond the screen.
For now, her exit from Kalki 2898 AD 2 marks the end of a short but memorable chapter in Tollywood — a reminder that even for stars as established as Deepika Padukone, balancing ambition with personal priorities is never simple.