Overview

• Vyjayanthi Movies formally stated on September 18 that Padukone will not be part of the Kalki 2898 AD sequel, citing the need for greater commitment.
• Mid-day reports that delays on the sequel and a subsequent clash with dates for Shah Rukh Khan’s King contributed to the parting, attributing details to unnamed sources as both sides declined comment.
• Trade coverage says she sought a significant fee increase, a tightly capped daily schedule and expansive hospitality for her team, claims producers reportedly balked at even as the specifics remain unverified.
• Padukone posted from the King set and emphasized valuing the filmmaking experience and collaborators, with India Today framing the timing as a pointed response to criticism; she also remains attached to an Atlee–Allu Arjun film.
• Social-media reactions kept the scrutiny on parity and costs, with editor Jitesh Pillai questioning differing responses to fee hikes and figures like Siddhant Chaturvedi, Surveen Chawla, Bhumi Pednekar and Tabu engaging with the discussion.