The buzz around Deepika Padukone’s exit from Kalki 2 has not settled even after days of confirmation, as new details are still coming to the surface.

According to a latest report by CNN-News18 Showsha, the 39-year-old actress had already shot for nearly 20 days for the sequel while filming the first part with Prabhas.

A source close to the production revealed that the  Fighter star demanded a 25% hike in her fee, confident she wouldn’t be replaced, given the attention her character received after Kalki 2898 AD. 

However, the turning point reportedly came from how her management handled the negotiations. 

The source added that the Chhapaak actor was fully aware of the sequel’s strong role written for her, and her next schedule was always meant to be mutually agreed upon, dismissing rumours of a date clash.

Vyjayanthi Movies addressed the controversy with an official statement on X, confirming the separation. 

“After careful consideration, we have decided to part ways. Despite the long journey of making the first film, we were unable to find a partnership. And a film like Kalki 2898 AD deserves that commitment and much more,” the note read, wishing her well for the future.

Amid the chatter, Deepika shifted focus by announcing her reunion with Shah Rukh Khan in King. 

Sharing a picture on Instagram, she recalled his first lesson from Om Shanti Om, that the filmmaking experience and people matter more than box-office success, hinting at their sixth collaboration.