Here is the breakdown of the casting twist that could change the face of the franchise.
The Official Word: "Considering, Not Confirmed" 🛑
The Clarification: Speaking to Hindustan Times, a source close to the production house (Vyjayanthi Movies) confirmed that Sai Pallavi is indeed the top choice, but signed papers are yet to happen.
The Quote: "Nothing has been finalized yet. But yes, the makers are looking at Sai to play SUM-80 after Deepika's exit. They think she'll be a perfect fit for the role."
The Denial: The rep explicitly denied reports that shooting is resuming immediately with her, calling those claims "premature."
Why Did Deepika Leave? (The Sept 2025 Exit) 📉
For those who missed the drama last year:
The Reason: Deepika reportedly walked out of the project in September 2025 due to disagreements over remuneration (a reported 25% hike demand) and working hour constraints.
The Impact: Since her character (the mother of Kalki) is the emotional core of the story, her exit forced the team to look for someone with equal acting caliber.
Fan Reaction: "Natural Star" vs "Original Sumati" 🗣️
The potential swap has divided the fandom:
Team Sai: Many feel Sai Pallavi is an "upgrade" in terms of raw acting talent, especially for a role that requires intense emotional depth. One viral tweet read: "If anyone can replace DP’s eyes, it’s Sai Pallavi."
Team Continuity: Others worry about the jarring visual change, given how established Deepika was in Part 1.
SantaBanta Verdict: From playing Sita in Ramayana (releasing Diwali 2026) to potentially playing the mother of Kalki, Sai Pallavi seems to be the chosen one for divine roles! If this deal goes through, seeing her share screen space with Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan will be cinematic magic.
