Kalki 2898 AD director Nag Ashwin teases new update on the sequel's shooting
Director Nag Ashwin discussed planning the shooting schedule for Kalki 2898 AD sequel, with most prep already complete. The update shifts attention to the sequel's production timeline and the pending Sum-80 casting announcement.
The sequel to Kalki 2898 AD remains one of the most awaited films, and director Nag Ashwin has now shared a fresh update on its shoot. During the post-release promotions of Sing Geetham – in which he served as a producer – the filmmaker said regular shooting for the second instalment is likely to begin in the coming months.
Ashwin said the team could start the regular shoot in either August or September, and added that the process is expected to move quickly as much of the groundwork has already been completed. His update comes amid speculation over the casting of the important Sum-80 aka Sumathi character in Kalki 2, following Deepika Padukone’s exit from the project and reports linking Alia Bhatt to the film.
Speaking about the progress on the sequel, Nag Ashwin said, “We might start the regular shoot either in August or September. That’s the update for now. Hopefully, we will work for a long stretch and complete most of the filming. Most of it has already been prepped, and the writing is done. So, it will be a much faster process.”
Earlier, the director also addressed rumours about Alia Bhatt joining the film and whether she is replacing Deepika Padukone. Dismissing the speculation, Ashwin said nothing has been confirmed so far and added that any final decision would be announced officially. “We need to announce who plays Sumathi character in Kalki 2. As of now, everything is speculation only. Character will be there for sure, which we can’t remove as it’s a very important character,” he said.
His clarification came a day after reports claimed that Alia Bhatt, who is busy promoting her upcoming film Alpha, had joined Prabhas’ Kalki 2. The reports said she had come on board during the film’s second shooting schedule and had shot for around five days in Hyderabad last month.
In September 2025, the makers of the Prabhas-starrer announced on their official X handle that Deepika Padukone would not be part of the sequel. The statement said, “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 (sic).”
According to an exclusive report by Pinkvilla, the film is slated for a theatrical release in December 2027, with the shoot expected to wrap by April next year. For now, Ashwin’s latest update has put the focus back on the sequel’s production timeline and the pending casting announcement.
The sequel to Kalki 2898 AD remains one of the most awaited films, and director Nag Ashwin has now shared a fresh update on its shoot. During the post-release promotions of Sing Geetham – in which he served as a producer – the filmmaker said regular shooting for the second instalment is likely to begin in the coming months.
Ashwin said the team could start the regular shoot in either August or September, and added that the process is expected to move quickly as much of the groundwork has already been completed. His update comes amid speculation over the casting of the important Sum-80 aka Sumathi character in Kalki 2, following Deepika Padukone’s exit from the project and reports linking Alia Bhatt to the film.
Speaking about the progress on the sequel, Nag Ashwin said, “We might start the regular shoot either in August or September. That’s the update for now. Hopefully, we will work for a long stretch and complete most of the filming. Most of it has already been prepped, and the writing is done. So, it will be a much faster process.”
Earlier, the director also addressed rumours about Alia Bhatt joining the film and whether she is replacing Deepika Padukone. Dismissing the speculation, Ashwin said nothing has been confirmed so far and added that any final decision would be announced officially. “We need to announce who plays Sumathi character in Kalki 2. As of now, everything is speculation only. Character will be there for sure, which we can’t remove as it’s a very important character,” he said.
His clarification came a day after reports claimed that Alia Bhatt, who is busy promoting her upcoming film Alpha, had joined Prabhas’ Kalki 2. The reports said she had come on board during the film’s second shooting schedule and had shot for around five days in Hyderabad last month.
In September 2025, the makers of the Prabhas-starrer announced on their official X handle that Deepika Padukone would not be part of the sequel. The statement said, “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 (sic).”
According to an exclusive report by Pinkvilla, the film is slated for a theatrical release in December 2027, with the shoot expected to wrap by April next year. For now, Ashwin’s latest update has put the focus back on the sequel’s production timeline and the pending casting announcement.
