Overview

• The makers officially announced Deepika Padukone will not return for the sequel, citing creative and commitment-related differences.
• Multiple outlets citing Lets Cinema report Alia Bhatt as the frontrunner in advanced talks to play Sumathi, but the production has not confirmed a replacement.
• If finalized, the role would mark Bhatt’s first collaboration with Prabhas and director Nag Ashwin.
• The 2024 first installment featured Prabhas alongside Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and Kamal Haasan.
• Padukone addressed the fallout in a CNBC TV18 interview, noting male superstars often work eight-hour days and pushing back on gendered labels.