Prabhas to Shoot Kalki 2 and Spirit in 2026

Prabhas, the pan-India superstar known for his roles in Baahubali and the 2024 sci-fi blockbuster Kalki 2898 AD, is set to begin principal photography for the film's highly anticipated sequel next month, while simultaneously resuming work on another major project, Spirit. The dual shoots, scheduled to start in February 2026, mark a demanding phase for the actor as production ramps up in Hyderabad.

Kalki 2, directed by Nag Ashwin, picks up from the first installment, which grossed over 1,000 crores worldwide and earned acclaim for its ambitious storytelling and Prabhas's commanding performance. The sequel's development has been overshadowed by a significant casting shift. In September 2025, the production team announced on their official X account that Deepika Padukone would no longer participate, citing a failure to establish a suitable partnership despite efforts during the first film's production. The statement emphasized that "a film like Kalki 2898 AD deserves that commitment and much more," while wishing Padukone well in her future endeavors.

Reports indicate the decision stemmed from disagreements over her contract terms, including a requested 25 percent fee increase and a...