**25% Hike, 7-Hour Shifts: Why Deepika Padukone Was Removed from ‘Kalki 2898 AD’**
*By Shreya Mukherjee | Sep 18, 2025, 01:54 PM*
Deepika Padukone’s recent exit from the much-anticipated sequel *Kalki 2898 AD* has sent ripples through the Indian film industry. According to reports by Bollywood Hungama, the decision to remove the actor came after what producers described as “unreasonable” demands from Deepika and her team.
### Demands That Sparked Controversy
Deepika allegedly requested a 25% hike in her acting fees compared to the first installment of the film. In addition, she insisted on limiting her shooting hours to no more than seven per day, citing her status as a new mother. Given the movie’s heavy visual effects (VFX) requirements, which already posed significant budget challenges, these demands did not sit well with the production team.
Her team didn’t stop there—they reportedly asked for five-star accommodations and food reimbursements for an entourage of 25 people traveling with Deepika. A source close to the producers revealed, “Why should the producers pay for the stay and food of an actor over and above the fees? This is an issue that a lot of Hindi producers also face.”
### The Producer’s Side of the Story
Producers of *Kalki 2898 AD* were open to compromises. They offered to provide Deepika with a luxury vanity area on set as a concession for longer working hours. Additionally, they requested that she reduce the size of her entourage to alleviate logistical and financial pressures.
Despite these offers, Deepika’s representatives reportedly refused to budge on either front. A source explained, “They also tried to negotiate finances, considering that even Prabhas had not asked for an increment in fees. This was the issue on *Spirit* too. Actors have to be more collaborative to make films work.”
### Final Thoughts
The clash over demands highlights the complexities of high-budget film productions where balancing star power, budget constraints, and shooting schedules is critical. Deepika Padukone’s exit from *Kalki 2898 AD* underscores the challenges producers face when negotiating terms with top actors in the industry.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/more-money-less-working-hours-why-deepika-was-booted/story
