(Image source from: Instagram.com/deepikapadukone)
Hours after the creators of Kalki 2 informed that Deepika Padukone is no longer part of the film, a new report has emerged explaining the reasons behind her departure. According to a recent update, the producers decided to let Deepika go because she requested a 25 percent increase in her pay along with a 7-hour workday. The creators allegedly made attempts to discuss these two requests with her, but she remained firm. “Deepika Padukone asked for a 25 percent raise based on her payment for the first film. Furthermore, she insisted on working only 7 hours a day. Considering that Kalki 2898 AD is heavily focused on visual effects, such a limited shooting schedule could significantly increase costs. The producers were open to offering her a luxury trailer for breaks if she would agree to longer working hours, but she turned it down. They also tried to discuss payment issues since even Prabhas did not seek a pay increase. However, she and her team were unwilling to compromise,” an insider revealed.
The same report mentioned that Deepika travels with a crew of 25 people. It was also stated that the actress wanted five-star hotel accommodations and meal reimbursements for her team during the filming. Although the producers attempted to negotiate and asked her to decrease the size of her team, Deepika stayed resolute in her requests. “Deepika has a large team of about 25 people who accompany her on set. They insisted on five-star lodging and meal reimbursements throughout the shoot for her group. Why should the producers cover the lodging and meals for an actor in addition to their fees? This is a problem many Hindi film producers encounter,” the source shared. On Thursday, the production team behind Prabhas's film made an announcement on their official X account confirming Deepika’s departure. The statement suggested that Deepika was no longer involved in the project because a film like Kalki “requires dedication.”
“We are officially announcing that @deepikapadukone will not be part of the upcoming sequel of Kalki2898AD. After thoughtful consideration, we have chosen to go our separate ways. Despite the lengthy process of creating the first film, we could not establish a collaborative partnership. A film like @Kalki2898AD deserves that level of commitment and more. We wish her success in her future projects,” the message noted. Kalki is the second film involving Prabhas from which Deepika Padukone has withdrawn. Earlier, director Sandeep Reddy Vanga had also excluded the actress from Spirit. Reports indicate that her requests, which included eight-hour workdays, high remuneration, and a portion of the film's profits, were not acceptable to director Vanga.
Deepika, who recently became a mother, is said to be trying to find equilibrium between her professional commitments and private time by choosing to work fewer hours. After Deepika's departure was made public, it was subsequently verified that Triptii Dimri will be featured in the Vanga-helmed project.
