After Deepika Padukone's exit from Kalki sequel, Nag Ashwin drops cryptic remark: '..can't change what happened but...'

Mumbai/IBNS: After Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone made her exit from yet another film, this time Kalki 2898 AD sequel, director Nag Ashwin dropped a cryptic remark on social media.
Ashwin took to Instagram to share a video from Kalki 2898 AD with a comment.
He wrote, "You can't change what happened but you can choose what happens next."
Photo: Screen-grab/Nag Ashwin Instagram story
The production house Vyjayanthi Movies too on Thursday dropped a cryptic remark on "commitment" while announcing Deepika's exit from the film.
In an X post, the makers said, "This is to officially announce that @deepikapadukone will not be a part of the upcoming sequel of #Kalki2898AD.
"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 @Kalki2898AD deserves that commitment and much more. We wish her the best with her future works."
This is to officially announce that @deepikapadukone will not be a part of the upcoming sequel of #Kalki2898AD.
— Vyjayanthi Movies (@VyjayanthiFilms) September 18, 2025
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…
Apart from Deepika, Kalki 2898 AD featured legend Amitabh Bachchan, superstar Prabhas, veteran actor Kamal Haasan in the lead.
A 2024 Indian epic science-fiction film, Kalki 2898 AD was directed by Nag Ashwin. It is one of the most expensive films ever made in Indian cinema.
Released on June 27, 2024, the film blends futuristic dystopian themes with mythology. It revolves around the concept of Kalki, the 10th avatar of Lord Vishnu, prophesied to appear at the end of Kali Yuga to restore dharma.
Deepika plays the role of Sumathi, a pregnant woman who becomes central to the prophecy about the birth of a savior who will change the world.
Deepika in Kalki 2898 AD poster. Photo: Deepika Padukone/Instagram
Her unborn child is believed to be Kalki, the 10th avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Earlier, Deepika's exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's upcoming film Spirit had triggered massive controversy.
Vanga replaced Deepika with new Bollywood heartthrob Triptii Dimri at a cheaper remuneration.
Deepika reportedly walked out of the film after her condition for eight-hour shift was not accepted.