by When Kalki 2898 AD released, it wasn’t just another big-budget sci-fi entertainer; it was a cinematic milestone that blended futurism, mythology, and star power on a scale rarely seen in Indian cinema. With Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Kamal Haasan, and Disha Patani headlining the ensemble, Nag Ashwin’s dystopian epic became a cultural storm. Naturally, excitement doubled when whispers of a sequel began circulating even before the digital release of the first film.
But as pre-production for Kalki 2898 AD 2 picks up momentum, the biggest shocker arrived: Deepika Padukone has reportedly exited the sequel. The news sent ripples across the industry and among fans, many of whom considered her portrayal of Sumathi — the pivotal mother-to-be in the Kalki prophecy — indispensable to the film’s arc.
Now, a new wave of speculation suggests that Priyanka Chopra Jonas might be stepping in to fill this major void. Given Priyanka’s global presence, cinematic experience, and her recent collaboration with Indian filmmakers, she seems like a fitting replacement — at least on paper.
But is this happening? Or is this just the industry rumor wheel spinning at full speed?
Here’s a complete deep dive into what we know, what is being negotiated, and what this means for the franchise.
Why Deepika Padukone’s Exit Matters So Much
To understand the current casting storm, one must first appreciate the narrative weight of Deepika Padukone’s role in Kalki 2898 AD.
1. A Character Central to the Kalki Prophecy
Deepika played Sumathi, a woman whose child is destined to become Kalki — the final avatar of Vishnu who destroys malevolent forces and restores dharma. Her character was the emotional backbone of the film. Much of the story’s moral weight and dramatic urgency revolved around her pregnancy, her survival, and her connection to the prophecy.
2. A Role Designed to Span Multiple Films
Nag Ashwin hinted early on that Kalki 2898 AD was conceived as a multi-part saga. Sumathi’s character was expected to evolve significantly in the sequel, possibly into more action-driven territory as she protects her child in a war-torn futuristic world.
3. Deepika’s Global Brand Value
Deepika has, in recent years, become an international figure — making her an attractive asset for any pan-Indian mega-franchise. Her exit changes the film’s commercial dynamics, audience expectations, and marketing strategies.
Given this context, replacing her is not a small matter. It affects the narrative, the cast chemistry, and the film’s brand identity.
Enter Priyanka Chopra Jonas: The Potential Successor
Reports now indicate that Priyanka Chopra Jonas is in serious negotiations to replace Deepika in Kalki 2898 AD 2. This is intriguing for many reasons.
1. Priyanka’s Strong Global Footprint
Priyanka is one of India’s biggest global exports in entertainment. With Quantico, Baywatch, Love Again, The Matrix Resurrections, and several Hollywood productions under her belt, she brings unmatched international visibility.
For a film that aims to reach audiences across continents, having Priyanka onboard is strategically beneficial.
2. A Familiarity With Action and Sci-Fi
From performing stunts in Quantico to playing Sati in The Matrix Resurrections, Priyanka has proven her mettle in high-action, high-concept storytelling — something Kalki 2898 AD 2 will undoubtedly demand.
3. Negotiations and the Deepika Parallel
A source close to the production revealed:
“Priyanka Chopra Jonas is most definitely in serious negotiations for this project. However, there are some hurdles, ironically similar to the obstacles which expelled Deepika from the project.”
These obstacles appear to be two-fold:
- Scheduling constraints due to motherhood
- Remuneration demands
Let’s unpack these.
The Scheduling Puzzle: Motherhood and Mobility
Priyanka Chopra Jonas, like Deepika, is navigating motherhood alongside her professional life. She and husband Nick Jonas welcomed daughter Malti Marie through surrogacy in 2022.
The source elaborated:
“Priyanka requires flexibility regarding her time and schedule in order to fulfil her mom duties. However, this is not an insurmountable issue, as Priyanka is agreeable to travelling with her daughter to locations.”
This means Priyanka can travel for shoots but needs accommodations that allow her to maintain a stable environment for her daughter.
This need is understandable — Hollywood productions often provide such flexibility — but large-scale Indian productions are still adjusting to such demands.
Interestingly, this was reportedly one of the complications that led to Deepika eventually stepping away.
The Remuneration Roadblock: Priyanka Wants What Deepika Got
Another major hurdle is the financial side.
According to insiders, Priyanka Chopra Jonas is asking for nearly the same fee that Deepika commanded for the sequel.
This is significant because:
- Deepika was among the highest-paid actresses in India
- Priyanka’s international portfolio typically places her above the average Bollywood pay range
- The film already hosts extremely expensive male leads (Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan)
Balancing budgets in a big-ticket sci-fi franchise is no easy feat. Visual effects alone eat up a massive chunk of expenditure. If Priyanka is demanding a Deepika-level fee, the production has to evaluate whether the cost is justified.
But given her global star power, she certainly brings commercial value that can offset the expense.
Priyanka’s Current Commitments: Shooting for Rajamouli’s Varanasi
Another reason the speculation has gained credibility is Priyanka’s current presence in India.
She is reportedly shooting for SS Rajamouli’s film Varanasi, an international-scale Telugu project that aligns perfectly with the Kalki 2898 AD universe in tone, ambition, and market positioning.
Being physically present in Hyderabad — where Nag Ashwin and Vyjayanthi Movies frequently coordinate their production meetings — has fueled the possibility of active negotiations.
If Priyanka is already working in the South Indian industry ecosystem for Rajamouli, stepping into Kalki 2898 AD 2 may feel seamless in terms of language training, production structure, and logistics.
The Producer Remains Tight-Lipped
When the writer reached out to Priyanka Dutta, one of the producers of Kalki 2898 AD, she did not respond.
This silence is telling.
In Bollywood and regional cinema, a lack of denial often carries more weight than an outright confirmation. It leaves the door open for speculation while preventing premature announcements that could affect ongoing negotiations.
Production houses typically remain silent until:
- Contracts are signed
- Dates are locked
- Public-relations plans are in place
The fact that the producer avoided commenting suggests talks are still in progress.
Why Priyanka Might Be the Best Possible Replacement
If Deepika’s exit is final, the makers need an actress who can fill nearly the same space in terms of:
- Screen presence
- Performance intensity
- Mass appeal
- International attention
- Franchise value
Here’s why Priyanka fits the mould beautifully:
1. She has a commanding screen presence
Priyanka has a natural authority in her performances. Whether it’s Bajirao Mastani or Don, she brings gravity to intense roles — something essential for a character at the center of a mythic prophecy.
2. She is experienced in global-scale productions
Kalki 2898 AD 2 aims to compete with international sci-fi offerings. Priyanka has already been part of the Hollywood studio ecosystem and understands the demands of such productions.
3. She bridges Bollywood and Hollywood audiences
For a film targeting a global release strategy, Priyanka adds invaluable visibility.
4. She embraces physically demanding roles
From hand-to-hand combat to weapons training, Priyanka has done it all. If the sequel requires more action, she is more than equipped.
If Priyanka Signs, What Changes Might Occur in the Story?
Replacing an actress for a central character in a franchise always brings narrative challenges. The makers have three options:
Option 1: Priyanka steps into Deepika’s role (Sumathi)
This is the most direct approach but also the riskiest. Audiences are emotionally attached to Deepika’s portrayal. Recasting could lead to comparisons or dissatisfaction.
Yet, Hollywood franchises do this often — Marvel, Harry Potter, The Matrix, Mission: Impossible — and audiences eventually adapt.
Option 2: Priyanka plays a new character who becomes integral to the prophecy
This allows:
- A smooth narrative transition
- Fresh character dynamics
- No direct comparison with Deepika
The story can be restructured to accommodate new mythological interpretations.
Option 3: The sequel shifts focus from the mother to the child, reducing reliance on Deepika’s role
In this scenario, Priyanka could play:
- A warrior-guardian
- A prophetic guide
- A resistance leader
- A mythic reincarnation
Nag Ashwin is known for creative world-building, so this is entirely possible.
Why Deepika’s Departure Happened
While the makers haven’t publicly commented, industry insiders claim:
- Scheduling conflicts
- Pregnancy-related health concerns
- Script timeline extensions
- Unresolved financial negotiations
may have contributed to the decision.
Deepika has a packed lineup and is also navigating new motherhood — just like Priyanka. Balancing both can be challenging with a franchise of such enormous scale.
Industry Buzz: Experts Weigh In
Film trade analysts have mixed reactions:
1. A strong strategic move
Some believe that if Priyanka signs, it strengthens the franchise’s global appeal.
2. A risky narrative shift
Others fear that replacing such a crucial character may confuse audiences—especially since fans invested emotionally in the mother-child prophecy arc.
3. A marketing jackpot
Priyanka brings strong PR presence. Her Hollywood connections could elevate Kalki 2898 AD 2 to new heights.
What This Means for the Franchise
If Priyanka joins:
- The film becomes more global than ever
- Marketing expands to Western markets
- The cast becomes a powerhouse of Pan-India + Hollywood talent
- The sequel may undergo rewrites
If she does not join, the makers may explore:
- Another A-list Bollywood actress
- A South Indian female superstar
- A rising talent with strong acting chops
Either way, Deepika’s absence will reshape the sequel significantly.
Will Priyanka Chopra Actually Replace Deepika?
The short answer: Talks are happening, but nothing is confirmed yet.
However, the fact that:
- She is in Hyderabad
- She is in negotiations
- The producer is silent
- The narrative requires a strong female lead
- Priyanka fits the brief perfectly
—all suggest that the possibility is very real.
