Alia Bhatt's rumoured 'Kalki 2' role sparks fan theories over Deepika Padukone's replacement
easterneye.biz
A casting rumour about Alia Bhatt replacing Deepika Padukone in Kalki 2 shows how fan communities rapidly build elaborate narratives from minimal information — a textbook case of apophenia and parasocial investment.
ApopheniaParasocial Relationship TheorySocial ContagionNarrative Transportation Theory

Theory Briefing
- Alia Bhatt's rumoured role in Kalki 2 has ignited fan theories about Deepika Padukone being replaced, despite no official confirmation.
- Director Nag Ashwin has addressed the speculation, suggesting fans are filling an information vacuum with self-constructed narratives.
- The phenomenon illustrates how parasocial bonds with celebrities drive fans to pattern-match and theorise from the smallest casting hints.