Renowned music composer Santhosh Narayanan has recently opened up about his involvement in the highly anticipated sequel to the blockbuster film 'Kalki 2898 AD'. In a candid interview, he expressed strong confidence that his musical contributions to the upcoming second installment will represent the pinnacle of his creative career.
Santhosh Narayanan Declares Kalki 2 as His Finest Work
During an exclusive conversation with Mirchi Tamil, Santhosh Narayanan was asked to identify which of his numerous compositions he considers his absolute best. Without hesitation, the acclaimed composer pointed to the music he is creating for 'Kalki 2'. He elaborated with conviction, stating, "The upcoming Kalki 2 will be my best work. I want it to be my best work. I am putting in the efforts for it." This bold declaration has significantly raised expectations among fans and cinephiles awaiting the sequel to the sci-fi epic.
First Film Provided Crucial Foundation for Sequel
Santhosh Narayanan also reflected on the immense learning experience provided by the original 'Kalki 2898 AD'. He explained that the extensive production timeline of the first film, which spanned two to three years, allowed the entire creative team to deeply understand and develop the film's unique universe. "The first film was a huge learning to everyone. We worked on the film for 2-3 years, and we figured out the world, so we began working for the sequel already," he shared. This established foundation, according to the composer, positions the sequel to be narratively and technically stronger from the outset.
Major Challenge: Coordinating Mega Star Cast
When questioned about the current production status, Santhosh Narayanan confirmed that the team is fully prepared to commence shooting. However, he highlighted a significant logistical hurdle. "Everybody is ready for the shoot. There is a jugalbandi of actors in the film. Since everybody in the cast are mega stars, coordinating them is tough," he revealed. This comment underscores the challenge of scheduling and managing a powerhouse ensemble cast, a common issue in large-scale Indian film productions featuring multiple A-list celebrities.
Deepika Padukone's Exit from the Sequel
In related news, the production of 'Kalki 2' faced a major casting change earlier in September 2025. The makers officially announced that leading actress Deepika Padukone would not be returning for the sequel. A formal statement released at the time clarified, "This is to officially announce that Deepika Padukone will not be a part of the upcoming sequel of Kalki 2898 AD." It was further noted that this decision was reached mutually after careful consideration by all parties involved.
This development mirrors a similar situation from another Prabhas project, 'Spirit', where Deepika Padukone was eventually replaced by actress Triptii Dimri following reported creative differences with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga.
Legacy of the First Film
The original 'Kalki 2898 AD', directed by Nag Ashwin and starring Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Amitabh Bachchan, and Kamal Haasan, was a monumental box office success. The film achieved a staggering worldwide collection of over Rs 1042 crore, cementing its status as a landmark in Indian cinema. This commercial triumph has naturally amplified the anticipation and scrutiny surrounding its sequel, with fans eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this expansive cinematic universe.
