Rumours surrounding Alia Bhatt’s possible involvement in Kalki 2898 AD Part 2 have once again set social media abuzz. While there has been no official confirmation from the filmmakers or the actress, multiple reports claim that Alia could play a significant role in the highly anticipated sequel to Nag Ashwin’s blockbuster sci-fi epic.
The speculation has taken two distinct directions. Some reports suggest that Alia has been cast in an entirely new and pivotal character within the Kalki universe. Others claim she could portray Goddess Vaishno Devi, one of the revered immortal figures from Hindu mythology, who is believed to protect Sumathi and her unborn child. AI-generated images depicting Alia in a divine avatar have further fueled online discussions and fan theories.
Adding to the confusion are resurfaced reports suggesting that Alia may replace Deepika Padukone as Sumathi, one of the central characters from the first film. The rumours gained momentum following Deepika’s reported departure from the sequel. In September 2025, production house Vyjayanthi Movies announced that the actor would not return for the second installment, stating that both parties had mutually agreed to part ways despite their successful collaboration on the original film.
Amid the ongoing speculation, director Nag Ashwin recently addressed the topic during an interview. While he refrained from confirming Alia’s involvement, he emphasized that the character of Sumathi remains crucial to the sequel’s storyline.
“We need to announce who plays the Sumathi character in Kalki 2. As of now, everything is speculation only. The character will be there for sure, which we can’t remove as it’s a very important character,” Ashwin stated.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Alia and Nag Ashwin have been linked professionally, as previous reports hinted at a separate female-led pan-India project featuring the actress.
For now, Alia’s role in Kalki 2 remains unconfirmed, leaving fans eagerly awaiting an official announcement.
