Is Sai Pallavi Replacing Deepika Padukone As SUM-80 In ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ Sequel? Makers React
Sai Pallavi is being considered to replace Deepika Padukone in the much-awaited ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ sequel.
Fresh buzz around the sequel to ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ has reignited excitement for the franchise, even as the makers continue to maintain silence. While producers Vyjayanthi Movies and director Nag Ashwin have not made any official announcements, industry chatter and social media leaks have kept speculation alive. To cut through the noise, Hindustan Times spoke to a representative of the film to verify rumours suggesting that Sai Pallavi may be stepping in following Deepika Padukone’s reported exit.
Back in September 2025, after Deepika Padukone exited ‘Spirit’, reports claimed that she had also walked out of the ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ sequel. As per speculation, the actress had already shot for around 20 days before seeking a fee hike, which allegedly led to her departure. Addressing these rumours, a representative of the film’s team confirmed to HT that the makers are indeed considering Sai Pallavi for the role previously played by Deepika.
“Nothing has been finalised 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 representative said. However, they were quick to dismiss reports claiming that Sai Pallavi has already been finalised or that shooting is set to resume soon. “All these are just rumours because nothing has been finalised yet. Please wait for official confirmation,” they added. As of now, neither the producer nor the director has issued an official statement on the matter.
In ‘Kalki 2898 AD’, SUM-80, also known as Sumati, is a pregnant lab subject of Project K and the prophesied mother of Kalki. In the Telugu version of the film, Sobhita Dhulipala had dubbed for Deepika Padukone’s character. After SUM-80 escapes the laboratory of Kamal Haasan’s antagonist Supreme Yaskin, she comes under the protection of Amitabh Bachchan’s immortal warrior Ashwatthama.
The film’s climax sees Prabhas’ bounty hunter Bhairava escaping with the pregnant SUM-80, even as Ashwatthama realises that Bhairava is the reincarnation of his old friend Karna. Meanwhile, Yaskin –who gains immense powers after being injected with a sample of SUM-80’s fetal serum – vows to hunt her down himself after his acolytes fail to capture her.
Released in theatres in June 2024, ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ went on to become a massive box-office success, minting Rs 1042 crore worldwide and cementing its place as one of India’s biggest sci-fi spectacles.
