Alia Bhatt emerges as front-runner for ‘Kalki 2’

Deepika Padukone’s 8-hour working day controversy has been in the spotlight recently. She opened up about the issue, saying filmmakers created a fuss over her request while happily accommodating male superstars.

Deepika is no longer part of “Kalki 2,” the sequel to the blockbuster “Kalki 2898 AD,” directed by Nag Ashwin. In the first film, she played Sumati, a pregnant woman, a crucial role in the story. Despite this, Vyjayanthi Movies parted ways with her, citing unprofessional demands.

The latest buzz in Bollywood now points to Alia Bhatt as the leading contender to replace Deepika in “Kalki 2.” Alia had previously been in talks with Nag Ashwin for another project, but it seems the director has decided to bring her on board for the sequel. An official announcement is still awaited.

“Kalki 2898 AD” is a mythological sci-fi drama set in a distant future. The story begins with the Kurukshetra war, where Lord Krishna instructs Ashwatthama to protect Vishnu’s final avatar, Kalki. Prabhas plays the main lead, and Kalki 2 is expected to go on floors in 2026.