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Speculation Surrounds Alia Bhatt's Role in Kalki 2898 AD Sequel After Deepika Padukone's Exit

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Speculation Surrounds Alia Bhatt's Role in Kalki 2898 AD Sequel After Deepika Padukone's Exit

Analysed 17 Jun 2026·13 sources analysed·Hyderabad, India·Entertainment
Speculation Surrounds Alia Bhatt's Role in Kalki 2898 AD Sequel After Deepika Padukone's ExitPreviousNext

Following Deepika Padukone's exit from the sequel to the 2024 blockbuster Kalki 2898 AD, speculation has arisen about Alia Bhatt joining the cast. Reports vary, with some suggesting she may replace Deepika's character Sumathi, while others claim she will play a new, significant role, possibly even Goddess Vaishno Devi. The filmmakers and Alia Bhatt have not officially confirmed her involvement, and a spokesperson stated there is no clarity yet. Sai Pallavi is reported to be the frontrunner to replace Deepika. Filming is ongoing, with a planned release in December 2027.

TBN's observations

First-hand measurement across 12 sources

We measured how 12 outlets covered this story. Coverage leans balanced overall (Left 0%, Centre 100%, Right 0%). Overall sentiment is neutral (61/100). Lens Score 38/100 — moderate-to-low public interest.

Outlets analysed (first-hand measurement by TBN's Bias Engine):

  • wion— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
  • freepressjournal— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
  • republicworld— balanced framing, positive sentiment
  • timesnow— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
  • english— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
  • timesnow— balanced framing, positive sentiment
  • indiatoday— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
  • freepressjournal— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
Political Bias
0%100%0%
Sentiment
61%
AI analysis of 12 sources · Published under editorial oversight by The Balanced News
Analysed 17 Jun 2026· How this analysis is produced· Editorial standards· Corrections

AI Analysis

Political bias across 13 sources
● Left 0%● Center 100%● Right 0%

The article group primarily focuses on entertainment industry developments without explicit political framing. Coverage includes official statements from filmmakers and production houses, fan reactions, and social media speculation. The perspectives range from official denials and clarifications to unconfirmed reports and rumors, reflecting a mix of cautious industry communication and public interest without partisan viewpoints.

Sentiment — Neutral (61/100)

The overall tone across the articles is neutral to mildly speculative, reflecting excitement and curiosity among fans alongside official caution. While some reports express enthusiasm about Alia Bhatt's potential involvement, others emphasize the lack of confirmation, maintaining a balanced and factual approach. The sentiment is generally positive regarding the film's progress but measured concerning casting uncertainties.

How 12 sources covered this story

Reviewed byAniket Awate· Culture & Digital Media Writer· Edited byOjas Kale
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Each source's own headline, political lean, and sentiment — so you can see framing differences at a glance.

SourceTheir headlineBiasSentiment
wionHas Alia Bhatt joined the sequel of Kalki 2898 AD? Here's what we knowCenterNeutral
freepressjournalAlia Bhatt To Play Mata Vaishno Devi In Nag Ashwin's Kalki 2898 AD? Fake AI-Generated Poster Goes ViralCenterNeutral
republicworldAlia Bhatt Roped In Prabhas Starrer Kalki Sequel, But Is She Deepika's Padukone Replacement?CenterPositive
timesnowAlia Bhatt Could Play Vaishno Devi In Prabhas' Kalki 2898 AD Sequel: ReportCenterNeutral
englishAfter Deepika Padukone's Exit, Is Alia Bhatt Joining Kalki 2898 AD Sequel?CenterNeutral
timesnowDeepika Padukone OUT, Alia Bhatt IN For Kalki 2? Truth Behind Viral ReportsCenterPositive
indiatodayAlia Bhatt's Kalki 2 role sparks buzz: Replacing Deepika or playing Vaishno Devi?CenterNeutral
freepressjournal'There's No Official Clarity Yet': Kalki 2's Spokesperson Opens Up About Reports Of Alia Bhatt's Casting In Prabhas Amitabh Bachchan StarrerCenterNeutral
news18'Die-Hard Fan' Alia Bhatt's Old Confession About Prabhas Resurfaces Amid Kalki 2 BuzzCenterPositive
hindustantimesIs Alia Bhatt replacing Deepika Padukone in Kalki 2898 AD sequel or playing a new role? Here's what we knowCenterNeutral
news18Kalki 2: Alia Bhatt Joins Prabhas Starrer, Is She Replacing Deepika Padukone? Here's What We KnowCenterNeutral
freepressjournal'Ab Ye Deepika Ki Tarah...': Alia Bhatt To Join Prabhas' Kalki 2898 AD Sequel? Netizens React To Viral ReportsCenterNeutral

Coverage timeline

freepressjournal broke this story on 16 Jun, 07:45 am. Other outlets followed.

  1. 1
    freepressjournal16 Jun, 07:45 am
    'Ab Ye Deepika Ki Tarah...': Alia Bhatt To Join Prabhas' Kalki 2898 AD Sequel? Netizens React To Viral Reports
  2. 2
    news1816 Jun, 08:04 am
    Kalki 2: Alia Bhatt Joins Prabhas Starrer, Is She Replacing Deepika Padukone? Here's What We Know
  3. 3
    hindustantimes16 Jun, 08:44 am
    Is Alia Bhatt replacing Deepika Padukone in Kalki 2898 AD sequel or playing a new role? Here's what we know
  4. 4
    news1816 Jun, 09:20 am
    'Die-Hard Fan' Alia Bhatt's Old Confession About Prabhas Resurfaces Amid Kalki 2 Buzz
  5. 5
    freepressjournal16 Jun, 09:55 am
    'There's No Official Clarity Yet': Kalki 2's Spokesperson Opens Up About Reports Of Alia Bhatt's Casting In Prabhas Amitabh Bachchan Starrer
  6. 6
    indiatoday16 Jun, 10:19 am
    Alia Bhatt's Kalki 2 role sparks buzz: Replacing Deepika or playing Vaishno Devi?
  7. 7
    timesnow16 Jun, 10:59 am
    Deepika Padukone OUT, Alia Bhatt IN For Kalki 2? Truth Behind Viral Reports
  8. 8
    english16 Jun, 11:05 am
    After Deepika Padukone's Exit, Is Alia Bhatt Joining Kalki 2898 AD Sequel?
  9. 9
    timesnow16 Jun, 11:17 am
    Alia Bhatt Could Play Vaishno Devi In Prabhas' Kalki 2898 AD Sequel: Report
  10. 10
    republicworld16 Jun, 12:54 pm
    Alia Bhatt Roped In Prabhas Starrer Kalki Sequel, But Is She Deepika's Padukone Replacement?

Lens Score breakdown

38/100
Public interest25/100
Coverage gap100%

Story is receiving appropriate media attention relative to public interest.

Who's involved

Institutions and figures named across source coverage.

Corporate
Vyjayanthi Movies

Story context

Category
Entertainment
Location
Hyderabad, India
Sources analysed
13
Last analysed
17 Jun 2026
Key entities
Deepika PadukoneAlia BhattPrabhasNag AshwinKalki (magazine)HyderabadKamal HaasanAmitabh BachchanSequelSocial mediaVyjayanthi MoviesSai Pallavi