Deepika Padukone officially exits Kalki 2898 AD sequel, makers cite inability to "find a partnership"

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the film industry, Vyjayanthi Movies, the production house behind the blockbuster sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD, has issued an official statement confirming that actress Deepika Padukone will not be a part of the film's highly anticipated sequel.

The announcement was made via the production house's official social media channels, putting to rest months of speculation regarding the actress's involvement. The statement read: "This is to officially announce that @deepikapadukone will not be a part of the upcoming sequel of #Kalki2898AD. After careful consideration, We have decided to part ways. Despite the long journey of making the first film, we were unable to find a partnership. And a film like @Kalki2898AD deserves that commitment and much more. We wish her the best with her future works."

 

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The statement's pointed reference to "commitment" and the inability to "find a partnership" has fueled existing rumors about the reasons behind the departure. Over the past few months, reports had surfaced suggesting a potential fallout between the actress and the makers over creative differences and scheduling. These speculations were often linked to her earlier, highly publicized exit from director Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s film Spirit, which also stars Prabhas.

According to reports, Padukone, who welcomed her first child in 2024, was seeking a more structured work schedule, including a strict eight-hour work shift to better balance her professional and personal life. While these were initially dismissed as baseless rumors by some sources close to the Kalki 2898 AD production, the official statement from Vyjayanthi Movies seems to corroborate the underlying issues of creative alignment and commitment.

Deepika Padukone’s role as SUM-80 was central to the plot of the first film, with the entire narrative revolving around her character and the unborn child she carries, believed to be the final avatar of Lord Vishnu, Kalki. As the production prepares for the sequel, the focus now shifts to who will step into the leading female role.

Despite her departure from the Kalki franchise, Padukone continues to be one of the most sought-after stars in the industry, with major projects like King alongside Shah Rukh Khan still on her schedule.

Also Read: Diana Penty recalls Deepika Padukone as calm force during Cocktail shoot: “That made it so much easier for me”

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EXCLUSIVE: Before Shah Rukh Khan's King, Arshad Warsi works with son Aryan Khan; to feature in a crucial role in The Ba***ds Of Bollywood

Earlier this year, there was a lot of excitement generated over Arshad Warsi signing King, one of the most awaited films of Bollywood. It features Shah Rukh Khan in a leading role along with several other prominent actors. It also marks the first time Arshad is working in a film fronted by SRK. Bollywood Hungama has learned that recently, Arshad Warsi worked with Shah Rukh’s son Aryan as well.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Arshad Warsi is a part of The Ba***ds Of Bollywood, the maiden web series of Aryan Khan. His role has been well-guarded until now. And it's not a cameo or a blink and miss appearance. He has a crucial part in the web show.”

The source continued, “The Ba***ds Of Bollywood is keenly awaited not just because of the Aryan Khan connection or its well-received promo but also because it has a lot of surprises and special appearances. A few of them are out, but there are many more actors whose glimpse hasn’t been given or even talked about. Arshad is one of them. The idea is to excite the audience once they sit down to watch the show.”

 The Ba***ds Of Bollywood stars Lakshya, Bobby Deol, Sahher Bambba, Anya Singh, Raghav Juyal, Mona Singh, Vijayant Kohli, Manish Chaudhari, Rajat Bedi, and Gautami Kapoor etc. in crucial roles. As of now, it is said that the actors to feature in cameos are Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, S S Rajamouli, Disha Patani, Karan Johar, Badshah etc. Recently, a special number featuring Tamannaah Bhatia was unveiled by the makers.

Incidentally, it's going to be an exciting week for Arshad Warsi. While The Ba***ds Of Bollywood drops on Netflix on September 18, his courtroom drama Jolly LLB 3, featuring Akshay Kumar, releases in cinemas a day later, on September 19.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan to host grand premiere for son Aryan Khan’s show The Ba***ds of Bollywood

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No stay on Jolly LLB 3: Bombay High Court dismisses plea alleging film ridicules judges

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday dismissed a petition that sought to stall the release of Jolly LLB 3, starring Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi. The courtroom drama, directed by Subhash Kapoor, is scheduled to hit theatres this Friday, September 19.

The plea, filed by the Association for Aiding Justice, alleged that the film ridiculed lawyers and judges. It also objected to the song ‘Bhai Vakeel Hai’, claiming it demeaned the legal profession.

During the hearing, advocate Dipesh Siroya, appearing for the petitioner, pointed to a scene where judges are referred to as “mamu,” calling the term derogatory. However, the bench of Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad brushed aside the concerns. “We have been facing mockery since day one. Don’t worry about us,” the judges remarked while rejecting the plea.

The court was also informed that the Allahabad High Court had already dismissed a similar petition.

 

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Meanwhile, challenges to the film are being heard in other states as well. The Madhya Pradesh High Court recently pulled up a lawyer for filing a case without making the filmmakers a party, while the Gujarat High Court has asked a petitioner to first consider the Allahabad HC order before proceeding.

Despite these objections, Jolly LLB 3 remains on track for its September 19 release.

 

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Also Read: SHOCKING: PVR Inox puts advance booking of Jolly LLB 3 on hold across the country

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SHOCKING: PVR Inox puts advance booking of Jolly LLB 3 on hold across the country

In a shocking development, PVR Inox, the largest multiplex chain of India, has put the advance booking of the big release this Friday, Jolly LLB 3, on hold. The exact reason is not yet known though sources claim that the makers are asking extensive programming and the multiplex chain hasn’t agreed to it. Nevertheless, it has sent shockwaves across the industry, trade and even a section of moviegoers.

The bookings started getting suspended from the evening of September 17. At the time of writing this article, at 8:00 am of September 18, the ticket sales of Jolly LLB 3 continue to be on hold. Barely a few screens of PVR Inox in India are still selling tickets but a majority of them have stopped. Many of them have opened plans for the weekend; however, Jolly LLB 3 can’t be seen in the schedule though it's clear that a screen or two have been kept blocked for the courtroom drama.

The good news for the fans is that the team of Star Studuo18 and PVR Inox are determined to get a solution to this matter. A source told Bollywood Hungama, “A meeting will be held between the two parties on Thursday at 10:00 am. We are all hoping that all the issues between them are resolved amicably. Once that happens, bookings in PVR Inox are expected to commence immediately.”

Jolly LLB 3 stars Akshay Kumar, Arshad Warsi, Saurabh Shukla, Huma Qureshi and Amrita Rao. Directed by Subhash Kapoor, it is a part of a very popular franchise and hence, it is highly awaited. A senior trade analyst summed up the industry’s mood, saying, “This is not just about one film. Disruptions like this shake audience confidence and impact overall footfalls. With a film like Jolly LLB 3, which has strong demand, a quick resolution is crucial.”

All eyes are now on Thursday’s 10:00 am meeting between StarStudios18 and PVR Inox. If negotiations go smoothly, ticket sales could resume in no time, giving fans the chance to secure their seats for one of the most anticipated courtroom dramas of the year.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: CBFC asks for minor changes in Akshay Kumar-Arshad Warsi starrer Jolly LLB 3; censors ‘f****r’

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Prahlad Kakkar recalls tough casting choice: "Aamir quoted Rs. 17 Lakhs, Shah Rukh needed Rs. 6 Lakhs for Mannat"

In a recent interview with Vickey Lalwani, veteran ad filmmaker Prahlad Kakkar looked back at a moment in his career when he had to make a difficult choice between Bollywood superstars Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan for an advertisement. Kakkar revealed that although Shah Rukh had quoted a lower fee of Rs. 6 lakhs an amount he reportedly needed to help fund the purchase of his now-iconic Mumbai bungalow, Mannat—it was Aamir who eventually bagged the role after months of negotiation.

Why Aamir Khan Was Chosen Over Shah Rukh Khan

Recalling the incident, Kakkar said, “Aamir was charging around Rs. 17 lakhs, while Shah Rukh was only asking for Rs. 6 lakhs. The reason Shah Rukh quoted that price was because he was short of Rs. 6 lakhs to buy his house, Mannat. He told me, ‘Give me Rs. 6 lakhs, and I’ll do the ad.’ But I felt he wasn’t right for the film.” According to Kakkar, his priority wasn’t the fee, but finding the right fit for the ad’s narrative. “I needed someone who had the image of a clean, innocent actor. Aamir had that after Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak—he had the image of the boy next door, someone simple and relatable. Shah Rukh, on the other hand, had debuted with Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, and his image wasn’t quite what I was looking for at the time.”

Kakkar revealed that it took nearly six months to lock in Aamir for the project. Despite the higher cost, he believed the actor’s on-screen image perfectly matched the ad’s tone and message.

Shah Rukh and Aamir: Early Careers and Current Projects

Shah Rukh Khan made his Bollywood debut in 1992 with Deewana, followed by other early releases like Chamatkar, Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, and Dil Aashna Hai. Over the years, he became one of the biggest stars in Indian cinema, known for blockbusters like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Swades, and Jab Tak Hai Jaan. He was last seen in Dunki (2023) and is set to appear in a cameo in his son Aryan Khan’s debut directorial project, The Ba**ds of Bollywood*.

Aamir Khan, who first appeared on screen as a child in Yaadon Ki Baaraat (1973), made his adult lead debut in Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988). He went on to star in critically and commercially successful films like Rangeela, Raja Hindustani, Sarfarosh, Lagaan, Dil Chahta Hai, Rang De Basanti, Taare Zameen Par, 3 Idiots, PK, and Dangal. Most recently, he appeared in a special role in Coolie, starring Rajinikanth and directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj. Aamir will also appear in Ba**ds of Bollywood*, releasing on Netflix on September 18.

Though the casting decision may have seemed risky at the time, Kakkar stood by his choice, focusing on character alignment over budget—an approach that reflects his longstanding philosophy in storytelling.

Also Read: Aamir Khan’s Rs 25 lakh request trumped Shah Rukh Khan’s Rs 6 lakh bid for an old commercial; story revealed by Prahlad Kakkar

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Robert Redford passes away at 89: Bollywood celebs Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Anil Kapoor and others pay emotional tributes

Legendary actor and filmmaker Robert Redford, famous for classics such as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, All the President’s Men, and Ordinary People, has passed away at the age of 89, his death confirmed in a statement by PR firm Rogers & Cowan PMK.

According to the statement shared with the New York Times and Variety, Redford “had died in his sleep early Tuesday morning at his home in Utah.”

His death prompted an outpouring of grief and tribute from around the world, including notable Bollywood personalities. Kareena Kapoor took to her Instagram Story, sharing a quote from Redford, writing “‘Storytelling is important. Part of human continuity’ - Robert Redford.” She also posted a picture of the actor with the words “In Power Legend.”

Priyanka Chopra shared a simpler yet heartfelt tribute, dropping a picture of Redford with the caption, “Icon” accompanied by a sad and hand-folding (folded hands) emoji.

Other Indian celebrities also paid their respects. Anil Kapoor wrote an emotional note on X (formerly Twitter), “Rest in peace, Robert Redford. From Barefoot in the Park to The Great Gatsby, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting and all the films in between--he was one of the most beautiful, captivating men ever. His personality, that legendary jawline, that smile... beyond compare.”

Rest in peace, Robert Redford. From Barefoot in the Park to The Great Gatsby, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting and all the films in between—he was one of the most beautiful, captivating men ever. His personality, that legendary jawline, that smile… beyond compare. pic.twitter.com/3VGGGM19Jx — Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) September 16, 2025

Veteran actor Soni Razdan shared a photo of Redford paired with a broken heart emoji. Actress Nargis Fakhri and filmmaker Anurag Kashyap also posted condolences along with images of Redford.

Redford’s body of work extended across decades in film, television, and theatre. His earlier years saw him in TV shows like Perry Mason, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and The Twilight Zone, and his stage debut was in productions such as Tall Story and Barefoot in the Park. His breakout film role came alongside Paul Newman in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid in 1969.

Survived by his children Shauna, James, and Amy from his marriage to Lola Van Wagenen, and by his wife Sibylle Szaggars Redford, whom he married in 2009. Robert Redford’s legacy in cinema, both as a performer and a filmmaker, will be remembered for generations.

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SCOOP: Aamir Khan's next with Rajkumar Hirani hits a roadblock; Perfectionist asks for script to be rewritten

Aamir Khan and Rajkumar Hirani's reunion on the Dadasaheb Phalke biopic created a stir like never before. And why not? Two stalwarts are teaming up for the third time after cults like 3 Idiots and PK. But we have some disappointing news for all the fans of this duo. According to very reliable sources close to the actor, the Dadasaheb Phalke Biopic has been put on hold.

A source informed Bollywood Hungama on anonymity, "Aamir Khan heard the script of Dadasaheb Phalke from Rajkumar Hirani and Abhijat Joshi. He felt that the script didn't have enough elements to make for a theatrical watch. He expected Raju and Abhijat to have a typical approach of mixing laughter with emotion and drama. But the script was devoid of comedy. This raised a doubt in the mind of Aamir, and he requested Raju to rewrite the script and come back."

The source tells us further, "Raju and Abhijat were shocked by Aamir's reaction, and are now figuring out what to do next. The film, which was to start in the month of October 2025, is no longer on track to go on floors next month. Things are on a standstill at the moment, and Aamir has already started to hunt for more scripts. He is hearing subjects from all across the industries."

His hunt for the next continues, as both Rajkumar Hirani and Lokesh Kanagaraj film seem to be on the back burner for now.

Also Read: Aamir Khan credits himself for introducing PATHBREAKING changes with Lagaan: “It was first film to have first AD, walkie-talkies, sync sound; Ronit Roy SECURED the sets with 150 guards, a FIRST in Bollywood”

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