Deepika Padukone Confirms Full Role in Atlee’s Film With Allu Arjun After Exiting Kalki 2 and Spirit

Deepika Padukone has been making headlines recently following her exit from Spirit and Kalki 2. Just as the makers of Kalki 2898 AD confirmed that she would no longer be part of the sequel, the actress announced that she has begun shooting for Shah Rukh Khan’s King. In addition, Deepika is also committed to Atlee’s much-anticipated action entertainer with Allu Arjun, tentatively titled AA22xA6.

While she is already filming alongside SRK, speculation arose that her role in Atlee’s project had been trimmed down due to her request for shorter working hours. However, a recent report by Mid-Day has dismissed those rumours. According to sources, Deepika’s role remains unchanged from what she was originally offered when she came on board in June. Described as “fierce” and integral to the first and second acts of the story, her character is said to be one of the film’s pillars.

Deepika has blocked her schedule from late October through the end of December to shoot for the project. The first schedule will focus on the foundation of her character, followed by high-octane action sequences in November. By December, the team is expected to move to the UAE, where Deepika and Allu Arjun will film a key emotional stretch that also includes a major mid-film twist.

The chatter about her reduced role began shortly after her exit from Kalki 2, with reports claiming she had demanded a 25 percent fee hike and a seven-hour work cap — conditions the makers were unwilling to meet. Earlier this year, she also walked away from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit, reportedly for similar reasons.

Since becoming a mother, Deepika’s request for shorter workdays has often made news. Yet, her dedication to Atlee’s project remains strong. Adding to the excitement, the film marks the first collaboration between Atlee and Allu Arjun, with the latter set to appear in dual roles — a revelation that has only intensified the buzz around this big-ticket entertainer.