Overview

• Vyjayanthi Movies announced her exit on X, saying the project "deserves that commitment and much more" after being unable to "find a partnership."
• Padukone played SUM-80/Sumathi in the 2024 hit, a central role that makes recasting or reworking the story a material challenge for the VFX-heavy franchise.
• Trade reports attribute the split to a requested fee increase, shorter daily shoot hours and entourage accommodations, claims not confirmed by Padukone or her team.
• Director Nag Ashwin had recently said he hoped to begin filming toward year-end, though assembling the cast and schedule now faces fresh uncertainty.
• The announcement drew strong online reactions criticizing the tone of the statement, and the actor has not issued a public response; Ashwin shared a cryptic post about choosing what happens next.