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

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

Analysed 16 Jun 2026·9 sources analysed·Hyderabad, India·Entertainment
Speculation Surrounds Alia Bhatt's Role in Kalki 2898 AD Sequel Amid Deepika Padukone's ExitPreviousNext

Speculation has arisen about Alia Bhatt joining the sequel to the 2024 blockbuster Kalki 2898 AD, following Deepika Padukone's exit. Reports suggest Alia may play a significant new role rather than replacing Deepika's character, Sumathi, with Sai Pallavi reportedly considered for that part. While some sources claim Alia has filmed scenes in Hyderabad, the film's spokesperson has denied any official confirmation or shooting. Director Nag Ashwin confirmed Sumathi's character remains vital, but casting details are yet to be finalized.

TBN's observations

First-hand measurement across 6 sources

We measured how 6 outlets covered this story. Coverage leans balanced overall (Left 0%, Centre 100%, Right 0%). Overall sentiment is neutral (62/100). Lens Score 38/100 — moderate-to-low public interest.

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

  • indiatoday— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
  • freepressjournal— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
  • news18— balanced framing, positive sentiment
  • hindustantimes— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
  • news18— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
  • freepressjournal— balanced framing, neutral sentiment
Political Bias
0%100%0%
Sentiment
62%
AI analysis of 6 sources · Published under editorial oversight by The Balanced News
Analysed 16 Jun 2026· How this analysis is produced· Editorial standards· Corrections

AI Analysis

Political bias across 9 sources
● Left 0%● Center 100%● Right 0%

The article group primarily focuses on entertainment industry developments without evident political framing. Coverage includes official statements, social media reactions, and industry speculation, reflecting a range of perspectives from fans, filmmakers, and media outlets. The sources present both confirmed information and rumors, maintaining a neutral stance on casting developments without political interpretation.

Sentiment — Neutral (62/100)

The overall tone across the articles is neutral to mildly positive, emphasizing excitement and curiosity about the sequel's casting while acknowledging uncertainty. Fan reactions vary from enthusiasm to skepticism, and official responses temper speculation. The sentiment balances anticipation for the film with cautious reporting on unconfirmed casting news.

How 6 sources covered this story

Each source's own headline, political lean, and sentiment — so you can see framing differences at a glance.

Reviewed byAniket Awate· Culture & Digital Media Writer· Edited byOjas Kale
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SourceTheir headlineBiasSentiment
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?

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
9
Last analysed
16 Jun 2026
Key entities
PrabhasDeepika PadukoneAlia BhattKalki (magazine)Nag AshwinKamal HaasanAmitabh BachchanHyderabadSequelSocial mediaBlockbuster (entertainment)Sai Pallavi