Fans Notice Deepika Padukone’s Name Missing from Kalki 2898 AD Credits
On Wednesday morning, eagle-eyed fans watching Kalki 2898 AD on OTT noticed something unusual — Deepika Padukone’s name was missing from the film’s end credits. This was particularly striking since she was one of the three lead faces prominently featured on the movie’s posters alongside Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan.
Screenshots and clips of the edited credits began circulating widely across social media platforms. Within hours, hashtags like #JusticeForDeepika and #Kalki2898AD started trending as fans accused the filmmakers of being “petty” and “unprofessional.” Many users expressed their disappointment, calling out the studio for allegedly disrespecting one of Bollywood’s most respected actors.
Deepika’s Role and Importance in Kalki 2898 AD
In Kalki 2898 AD, Deepika Padukone portrayed SUM-80 — a pregnant woman central to the film’s plot. Her character is pursued by Bhairava (Prabhas), a bounty hunter, and protected by Ashwatthama (Amitabh Bachchan). The movie blends futuristic sci-fi elements with mythology from the Mahabharata, setting the foundation for a multi-film Kalki Cinematic Universe.
The film, directed by Nag Ashwin and produced by Vyjayanthi Movies, was a massive success, grossing over ₹1000 crore globally. Deepika’s emotional performance as SUM-80 was widely praised, making her absence from the credits even more baffling to audiences.
The Mystery Behind the Missing Credits
While fans speculated that the removal of Deepika’s name might have been intentional, things took a turn later that day. By Wednesday afternoon, the OTT versions of Kalki 2898 AD once again displayed her name — right below Amitabh Bachchan’s in the end credits.
This sudden disappearance and reappearance raised more questions than answers. Was it a technical glitch, or a deliberate edit gone wrong? As of now, Vyjayanthi Movies has not issued an official statement clarifying the situation.
Nevertheless, the brief omission was enough to trigger widespread criticism. A Deepika fan page shared a video of the altered credits with the caption, “OTT version of Kalki Part 1 removes Deepika Padukone’s name from credits,” sparking outrage across social media.
Deepika’s Exit from Kalki Sequel Adds Fuel to the Fire
The controversy comes just weeks after the production house confirmed that Deepika would not be part of the Kalki 2898 AD sequel. Reports suggested that the decision followed disagreements over scheduling, remuneration, and working conditions. According to industry insiders, Deepika requested shorter working hours and higher pay, which reportedly led to creative differences with the production team.
While some fans viewed her exit as a professional choice, others felt she was being unfairly portrayed as “difficult.” The credit controversy only deepened the perception of tension between the actress and the film’s makers.
What’s Next for the Kalki Cinematic Universe?
The first installment ended with the message: “Kalki Cinematic Universe continues.” The sequel, expected to feature Kamal Haasan in a much larger role, will reportedly focus on how Ashwatthama rescues SUM-80 from the antagonist’s clutches. It will also further explore Prabhas’ connection to the Mahabharata and the modern-day avatar of Lord Vishnu, Kalki.
However, the studio has yet to announce Deepika’s replacement or confirm the film’s official release date. The sudden removal of her name from the credits, even briefly, has left fans speculating about whether her role will be recast, rewritten, or digitally altered in the upcoming sequel.
Deepika’s Upcoming Projects
Despite the Kalki controversy, Deepika Padukone continues to remain one of India’s busiest and most sought-after actresses. She reportedly stepped away from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit due to her preference for an eight-hour workday, balancing her professional commitments with motherhood.
Currently, Deepika is collaborating with Shah Rukh Khan in King and will soon appear opposite Allu Arjun in a film directed by Atlee, marking another high-profile South-meets-Bollywood venture. Her packed schedule shows that her star power remains undiminished, despite recent controversies.
Conclusion: A Credit Controversy That Reflects Bigger Industry Issues
The brief removal of Deepika Padukone’s name from Kalki 2898 AD credits may seem like a small technical issue, but its timing — coming right after her exit from the sequel — has magnified its impact. It highlights the fragile dynamics between top-tier talent and production houses in India’s expanding pan-Indian film industry.
Whether the missing credit was an error or a statement, one thing is clear: Deepika’s contribution to Kalki 2898 AD remains significant, both artistically and commercially. And while the drama continues off-screen, fans are eagerly waiting to see what comes next for the Kalki Cinematic Universe — and for Deepika Padukone herself.
