Deepika Padukone’s Name Allegedly Removed from Kalki 2898 AD Credits: Fans Slam Makers for “Petty” Move

A fresh controversy has erupted in Bollywood surrounding the OTT release of Kalki 2898 AD, one of India’s biggest sci-fi blockbusters of 2024. Starring Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, and Kamal Haasan, the film was widely celebrated for its grand vision and futuristic storytelling.
However, what should have been a routine digital release has turned into a major PR storm — as several fans claim that Deepika Padukone’s name has been removed from the film’s end credits on OTT platforms.

The Viral Allegation

Reports first surfaced when a fan on X (formerly Twitter) shared a video showing the end credits of Kalki 2898 AD streaming on OTT — without Deepika Padukone’s name listed among the lead cast.
This immediately sparked outrage, with fans accusing the film’s makers of being “unprofessional”, “petty”, and “disrespectful” toward one of India’s top actresses.

“So petty & unprofessional. Deepika was the emotional core of Kalki, and they erased her contribution?” — one fan wrote on X.

The clip quickly went viral, prompting online discussions and multiple media outlets to verify whether the video was authentic or edited.

Media Coverage and Reactions

Hindustan Times reported that the removal appeared after an alleged “fallout” between Deepika and the film’s production team, though no official statement has confirmed this.
News18 and Times Now echoed fan outrage, highlighting how Deepika’s name was prominently featured in the theatrical release but seems to be missing in the OTT version.

Mint added nuance, noting that while fan videos show her name missing in the end credits, it is still visible in the film’s opening titles, suggesting a possible technical or versioning issue rather than intentional removal.

Republic World described the situation as “unprofessional and disrespectful,” quoting netizens who believe such actions “tarnish the film’s image more than the actress’s.”
Meanwhile, Free Press Journal and BollywoodLife pointed out that the controversy could overshadow the movie’s otherwise strong OTT performance.

Has There Been a Fallout Between Deepika and the Makers?

While rumors of a rift have circulated since the film’s promotions, there is no official confirmation of a fallout between Deepika Padukone and Vyjayanthi Movies, the production house behind Kalki 2898 AD.
However, some insiders suggest creative disagreements may have emerged regarding screen time and credit placement, particularly after Deepika’s pregnancy announcement, which reportedly affected her promotional participation.

Still, industry experts emphasize that removing an A-list actor’s name from a film’s credits would be highly unusual and could invite legal complications under the Copyright Act and performer’s rights.

Fans’ Outrage on Social Media

Social media is flooded with angry posts, memes, and demands for an explanation. The hashtag #JusticeForDeepika has trended across X and Instagram.
Fans are calling out what they perceive as sexism and disrespect toward one of the few female leads in a male-dominated sci-fi film.

“Deepika carried the emotional arc of the story. How can they erase her like she didn’t exist?” — wrote one Reddit user.

Many users also tagged OTT platforms, demanding they restore the correct credits.

Industry Reactions

Several film trade analysts have commented on the issue, calling it a “bad PR move.”
A senior critic told Times of India:

“Kalki 2898 AD was celebrated as a pan-India project. Alienating a major star like Deepika sends the wrong message at a global stage.”

Even some celebrities have indirectly shown support — liking or reposting fan tweets defending the actress.

Kalki 2898 AD: A Quick Recap

Released in June 2024, Kalki 2898 AD is a mythology-meets-sci-fi epic set in a dystopian future, directed by Nag Ashwin.
Deepika Padukone played SUM-80, a pregnant woman central to the film’s prophecy-driven narrative. Her emotional depth added balance to the film’s heavy visual spectacle.

The film grossed over ₹1200 crore worldwide, becoming one of the highest-grossing Indian movies of 2024. Its OTT release was highly anticipated — until this controversy took center stage.

Possible Reasons Behind the Credit Change

While nothing is confirmed, the following theories are being discussed:

• Technical glitch during the OTT mastering process or version update.

• Alternate cut/version uploaded without complete credits.

• Legal or contractual disputes regarding billing order.

• Publicity misfire — a deliberate change to create buzz (though unlikely given the backlash).

Official Response: Still Awaited

As of now, neither Vyjayanthi Movies, Nag Ashwin, nor Deepika Padukone have issued an official statement addressing the controversy.
Given the rising backlash, a clarification may soon follow.

Conclusion

Whether this was a technical mishap or an intentional move, the Kalki 2898 AD OTT credit controversy underscores how even small changes can trigger massive fan reactions in the digital era.
Deepika Padukone remains one of India’s most respected stars, and erasing her name — intentionally or not — risks alienating audiences and damaging goodwill for the film’s future projects, including its rumored prequel and sequel.

Until an official clarification emerges, fans continue to ask one question:

Why was Deepika Padukone’s name missing from the credits of a film she helped make iconic?