Nag Ashwin’s ‘future change’ note after Deepika Padukone’s exit from Kalki 2

Deepika Padukone will not be part of the sequel to “Kalki 2898 AD”. The production house, Vyjayanthi Movies, officially announced on Thursday morning that both parties have decided to part ways.

Hours later, director Nag Ashwin shared a cryptic Instagram Story quoting a line from the film: “You can’t change what happened but you can choose what happens next.”

The timing of the post has fueled speculation that it was a subtle response to Deepika’s exit, implying he can’t change the past casting but can make different choices for the sequel.

Deepika played Sumathi, a pregnant woman, in the first installment. According to media reports, her exit stemmed from disagreements over remuneration and working conditions. She reportedly demanded a significant hike in fee, refused to cut down her 25-member entourage (who require 5-star accommodation at the producer’s expense), and insisted on not working more than seven hours a day.

With negotiations falling through, the makers opted to move ahead without her.

Nag Ashwin’s Instagram story has since gone viral, while Deepika Padukone has yet to issue a statement.