Mumbai: Bollywood actress and Mandi MP Deepika Padukone has been dropped from the sequel of Nag Ashwin’s ambitious sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD, the makers announced on Thursday, September 18.

In a statement released by Vyjayanthi Movies, the producers said that the decision came after “careful consideration” and cited that a project of such scale required “commitment.” The statement read, “Despite the long journey of making the first film, we were unable to find a partnership. And a film like Kalki 2898 AD deserves that commitment and much more. We wish her the best with her future works.”

The announcement immediately sparked debate on social media, with a section of netizens labeling Deepika “unprofessional” and pointing out that this was the second major project she reportedly lost after Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit.

Amid the controversy, an old interview of producer Ramesh Taurani resurfaced, where he accused Deepika of unprofessional behavior during the making of Race 2 more than a decade ago.

The Race 2 controversy dates back to 2012, when Deepika abruptly walked out of the Abbas–Mustan directorial after filming for six days. The action thriller, which starred Saif Ali Khan, John Abraham, and Jacqueline Fernandez, was already in production, leaving the makers in a difficult position.

Taurani, in an interview with The Times of India, had expressed disappointment, stating, “In my 25 years in this industry, I have never been so disrespected by any actor, and we have worked with the biggest and the best.” Reports at the time suggested that Deepika’s manager informed the producers she had received a Hollywood offer, which led to her exit.

Taurani said he made multiple attempts to convince her to return, even meeting her on the sets of Cocktail (2012), but negotiations failed. The matter escalated to a complaint filed with the AMPTPP and CINTAA before being resolved, after which Deepika returned to the film with fresh terms.

While the controversy created temporary friction, it did not harm Deepika’s career trajectory. In fact, 2013 became a turning point for the actress, with Race 2, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, and Chennai Express all becoming major box office successes, solidifying her position as one of Bollywood’s top stars.

Kalki 2898 AD, directed by Nag Ashwin, is a big-budget sci-fi dystopian drama that features an ensemble cast including Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, and Disha Patani.

The announcement of Deepika’s exit has stirred curiosity about who will replace her in the sequel, as fans await further updates from the makers.