Without a landslide or quake, the ground in Thural, Himachal Pradesh, suddenly sank, splitting homes and roads. The Indian Army has sealed the area and begun rescue operations
All of a sudden, there’s a lot happening over the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. In fact, not in the right spirit from the filmmakers’ point of view. On Thursday, Vyjayanthi Movies, the production house that bankrolled the sci-fi thriller declared that its leading lady Deepika Padukone won’t be part of the sequel. The development certainly shocked many in the industry. As if that isn’t enough, hours after the announcement, director Nag Ashwin came up with a cryptic post… adding more fuel to the fire.
Also Read: Deepika Padukone Is Not a Part of Kalki 2898 AD 2, Production House Confirms
Kalki filmmakers issued a statement that both parties (production house and Deepika Padukone) parted ways mutually. No sooner they shared the news, director Nag Ashwin shared a cryptic Instagram Story quoting a line from the film, “You can’t change what happened, but you can choose what happens next.” His post not only became the hottest topic in the industry but also triggered widespread speculation among the fans on social media. It’s the timing of his post that is drawing all the attention and fuelling speculation that it was a subtle dig at Deepika’s exit. Many fans on social media are interpreting between the lines of his post that it was his veiled response to Deepika’s exit. They comment that Nag Ashwin intends that, ‘he can’t change the past casting but can make dif Add Link ferent choices for the sequel.’ While the director’s post has gone viral, Deepika Padukone is yet to respond over the developments.
In Kalki 2898 AD, Deepika played Sumathi, a pregnant woman. While various theories about her exit from the project have been doing the rounds, the makers meanwhile are also on the lookout for a replacement. The Kalki sequel may take a couple of years to go on floors, meanwhile, Nag Ashwin is planning to do a small film for which the story is written by legendary director Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. A Malayalam actress is reportedly set to headline the film.
Malayalam cinema’s latest horror-comedy sensation Sumathi Valavu is set to begin its digital run on ZEE5 from September 26. Following its strong theatrical success, the film will now reach a wider audience, streaming not only in Malayalam but also in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi.
Directed by Vishnu Sasi Shankar, the movie blends supernatural chills with laugh-out-loud moments. At its core lies a haunting inspired by local folklore: a curve in Thiruvananthapuram named after a woman, Sumathi, whose tragic death gave rise to tales of ghosts and mystery. This eerie backdrop sets the stage for a group of youngsters who stumble into the unknown at the so-called haunted spot.
Touted as a blockbuster by its makers, Sumathi Valavu reportedly earned over ₹20 crore worldwide, a notable feat for a horror-comedy from the region. The film’s popularity has already led to the announcement of a sequel, underscoring the strong connect it struck with audiences.
Cast, Creator, and On-Screen Energy
The film boasts a lively ensemble that includes Arjun Ashokan, Saiju Kurup, Gokul Suresh, Malavika Manoj, Sshivada, and Balu Varghese. Their chemistry and performances anchor the story’s mix of thrills and humour, bringing both levity and tension to the supernatural narrative.
Director Vishnu Sasi Shankar shared his vision for the project, saying, “Sumathi Valavu is rooted in Kerala’s folklore but crafted for a contemporary audience. It’s not just about scares; it’s about the human emotions that linger in places tied to tragedy. Through this film, I wanted to bring out the tension between memory, myth, and mystery. ZEE5 gives us the perfect platform to reach audiences everywhere who love layered, atmospheric storytelling.”
Lead actor Arjun Ashokan described the film as a career milestone. “This film is very special because it intertwines supernatural intrigue with raw wit and emotions. Playing a character caught in this haunted space allowed me to explore fear, vulnerability, and courage in a way I hadn’t before. I’m excited that ZEE5 is premiering Sumathi Valavu for viewers across languages.”
Co-star Malavika Manoj also reflected on her experience, saying, “Sumathi Valavu gave me the chance to be part of a story that is both rooted in Kerala’s culture and filled with suspense. It was exciting to work alongside such a talented cast, and I believe audiences will enjoy how the film balances mystery, emotion, and thrills. I’m really looking forward to viewers watching it on ZEE5.”
With its folklore-inspired storytelling, colourful characters, and a balance of scares and humour, Sumathi Valavu is poised to entertain a fresh wave of viewers on OTT.
Also Read: Arjun Ashokan Leads a Spooky, Fun Ride in Sumathi Valavu Trailer