Deepika Padukone Calls Bollywood Disorganised, Opens Up About Her Kalki 2 Exit

Bollywood star Deepika Padukone has once again made headlines — this time for calling the Indian film industry “disorganised.” In a recent conversation, the actor opened up about her experience with long, uncertain shooting schedules and shared how her recent projects made her realise the importance of structure in filmmaking.

Her candid remarks have stirred conversations about the way India’s movie business functions, especially after her much-discussed exit from Kalki 2898 AD: Part Two and the upcoming Spirit shoot.

The Details: Why Deepika Spoke Out

Deepika’s statement came as a reflection of her years in cinema, where she observed inconsistencies in how production schedules are handled. She explained that while passion drives most filmmakers, professionalism often takes a backseat.

The actor pointed out that unlike the Western film industries, where eight-hour work shifts and pre-planned call sheets are strictly followed, Bollywood still runs largely on flexibility and chaos. “It’s no secret,” she said, “that things often go beyond timelines, and actors end up shooting for 14 to 16 hours at times.”

After wrapping up her recent commitments, including Nag Ashwin’s Kalki and a few international projects, she has reportedly been insisting on maintaining shorter, well-defined schedules.

Industry Analysis: The Issue of Discipline in Bollywood

Deepika’s statement isn’t just an individual complaint — it’s part of a growing pattern of actors speaking up about professionalism in India’s entertainment sector. Several stars, including Alia Bhatt and Shahid Kapoor, have also mentioned that time mismanagement and chaotic production setups remain a long-standing issue.

The Indian film industry has expanded globally, but many say the internal work culture still struggles with coordination. Deepika’s comments have reignited the question — can Bollywood truly compete with Hollywood if its foundation remains inconsistent?

In her remarks, she didn’t name anyone directly but implied that her exit from “Kalki 2” may have been influenced by scheduling issues and the need for clarity.

Reactions From Fans and Industry

Fans quickly took to social media to support Deepika’s stance, calling her comments “honest” and “necessary.” Several crew members and film insiders anonymously echoed her concerns, saying that producers often prioritize speed over sustainability.

On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #DeepikaSpeaksTruth and #BollywoodWorkCulture began trending within hours.

Meanwhile, a few industry figures defended the current system, arguing that flexibility is essential in filmmaking where creativity cannot always fit into rigid hours.

For more industry insight, read our editorial — How Work Culture Shapes Indian Cinema’s Global Future.

The Bigger Picture: An Industry at Crossroads

Deepika Padukone’s views highlight a shift happening in the Indian entertainment ecosystem. As global collaborations rise, Indian actors are demanding better structure, clear contracts, and regulated shooting environments.

For younger stars entering the industry, this could become a turning point. Several new-age production houses are already testing hybrid models inspired by international standards — from time-bound shooting schedules to wellness hours on set.

If this continues, the so-called “disorganised” tag may soon fade, and Bollywood could become a more structured, predictable, and fair workspace.

To understand this trend better, explore our feature: Why Bollywood’s Next Revolution Could Be About Work Ethics, Not Scripts.

Conclusion

Deepika Padukone’s straightforward remark has once again positioned her as one of the few stars unafraid to speak her mind. Whether her statement sparks genuine change or remains another industry headline, one thing is clear — she’s pushing for a Bollywood that values time as much as talent.

Her journey, from Om Shanti Om to global recognition, now enters a phase where she’s not just shaping characters — but perhaps reshaping the system itself.