Will a new actress replace Deepika Padukone in Kalki 2898 AD sequel; what more Nag Ashwin told?
Deepika Padukone in Kalki 2898 AD: There is immense excitement among moviegoers regarding the sequel to the blockbuster sci-fi film Kalki 2898 AD, which grossed over ₹1,000 crore worldwide in 2024. However, a major update concerning the sequel has recently emerged, leaving fans puzzled.
Director Nag Ashwin shared crucial details about the film's star cast and upcoming shooting schedule during an interview. His statement has sparked a fresh round of discussions on social media.
Sequel would feature new faces: Ashwin
Director Nag Ashwin clarified in an interview that the story would move forward without adding any new actors. When asked if the sequel would feature new faces, he stated unequivocally that there would be no new additions to the cast.
The first installment already featured a large ensemble, and the story will continue to revolve around those existing characters. The director's statement has put an end to speculation that another actress might be cast following Deepika's exit.
Major Suspense Surrounding the Role of Sumati
Deepika Padukone played the pivotal role of the pregnant Sumati in the first part—a character who was central to the entire narrative. However, Vyjayanthi Movies had officially announced via social media that they and Deepika were parting ways by mutual consent.
Reports cited reasons such as a fee hike and reduced screen time, though Deepika has always emphasized selecting the right projects. Now, with no replacement being brought in, audiences are wondering how the makers will steer the story without this central character.
Entire shoot to complete by the middle of next year
Speaking about the film's production process, Nag Ashwin revealed that the solo scenes featuring Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan, as well as some joint sequences, have already been shot. Filming had been paused because Prabhas was occupied with other projects, but the scheduling issues have now been resolved.
Regular shooting with the lead cast is set to resume in mid-October. The team aims to complete the entire shoot by the middle of next year and commence post-production work.