**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 to *Kalki 2898 AD* has sent shockwaves through the Indian film industry. According to Bollywood Hungama, the decision to remove the actress came after what have been described as “unreasonable” demands from her side.
**Unreasonable Demands Lead to Tensions**
Padukone reportedly requested a 25% hike in her acting fees compared to the first installment. Alongside this, she insisted on significantly shorter shooting hours, limiting her work to no more than seven hours a day. These demands proved challenging, especially given the film’s extensive VFX requirements, which already strained the project’s budget.
**Additional Requirements from Padukone’s Team**
The actor’s team allegedly asked for five-star accommodations and food reimbursements for an entourage of 25 people. These requests further aggravated the producers, who questioned why expenses related to stay and food should be borne by the film’s budget over and above the actor’s fees.
A source close to the production shared with Bollywood Hungama,
*”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 Standpoint**
In an attempt to find middle ground, the producers proposed providing a luxury vanity space for Deepika in exchange for longer working hours. They also requested a reduction in the size of her entourage to manage costs. However, Deepika’s representatives stood firm, refusing to compromise on these points.
The insider further revealed,
*”They also tried to negotiate finances, given 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.”*
**Conclusion**
The standoff between the production team and Deepika Padukone ultimately led to her being removed from *Kalki 2898 AD*. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges between star demands and production budgets in large-scale Indian film projects. Fans and industry insiders alike await further updates on the casting and progress of this high-profile sequel.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/more-money-less-working-hours-why-deepika-was-booted/story
