Deepika Padukone not in Brahmastra 2, spokesperson confirms
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone is not part of Brahmastra 2, her spokesperson confirmed on Monday, 24 August, putting to rest weeks of speculation about her casting in the sequel to Ayan Mukerji's fantasy action franchise. The clarification came amid a flurry of reports — some claiming her involvement was effectively finalised — that had circulated widely in entertainment media.
What the Spokesperson Said
The statement was unambiguous: “All recent reports of Deepika Padukone being a part of Brahmastra 2 or associated with the project in any capacity are untrue.” The denial covers all forms of association with the project, not merely a lead role.
What the Rumours Claimed
Speculation had intensified after reports suggested Padukone was in talks to reprise — or expand — her role as Amrita, Shiva's mother, who appeared briefly but pivotally in the first film. Amrita is linked to the Jal Astra (water weapon) and is integral to Shiva's origins. Some reports had gone as far as calling her casting locked, while others noted it remained unconfirmed. Separately, some media reports indicated that production on the sequel could begin as early as April 2027.
The Spirit Controversy Backdrop
The denial lands against the backdrop of a separate, ongoing controversy involving Padukone's exit from the Prabhas-starrer Spirit. The debate reignited recently after director Sandeep Reddy Vanga's brother, Pranay Reddy Vanga, claimed that Padukone had sought 10% of the film's profits, in addition to remuneration and specific working-hour terms. Padukone had originally been attached to Spirit opposite Prabhas but exited the project in 2025, with earlier reports pointing to disagreements over remuneration, working hours, and other conditions. Sandeep Reddy Vanga had at the time reacted sharply, accusing Padukone of 'PR games' and of allegedly leaking script details.
What's Next for Deepika Padukone
Padukone, who was last seen in Singham Again, will next appear in King, the Shah Rukh Khan-led film that reportedly features a large ensemble of Hindi film industry names. King is slated for release in December 2025. Whether her absence from Brahmastra 2 signals a broader recalibration of her project slate — amid the Spirit fallout — remains a question the industry will be watching closely.