Actor Akshaye Khanna, who recently earned widespread praise for his performance in Dhurandhar, is reportedly no longer part of Drishyam 3. Industry sources suggest that the actor decided to step away following disagreements with the production team over both remuneration and creative choices. As of now, neither Khanna nor the makers of Drishyam 3 have made an official statement.
Reports indicate that after the commercial success of Dhurandhar, Akshaye Khanna requested a significant hike in his fee for Drishyam 3. However, discussions around compensation apparently did not lead to a mutual agreement. Creative differences are also said to have played a role, with the actor reportedly suggesting changes to his on-screen appearance that didn’t align with the filmmakers’ vision. While these factors are believed to have prompted his exit, sources hint that negotiations could still reopen in the future.
Drishyam 3, directed by Abhishek Pathak, will see Ajay Devgn reprise his role as Vijay Salgaonkar. The film also stars Tabu, Shriya Saran, and Ishita Dutta, and is scheduled for a theatrical release on October 2, 2026. Given the franchise’s popularity, any casting updates are closely watched by fans.
Meanwhile, Akshaye Khanna continues to ride high on the success of Dhurandhar, where his performance was lauded for its intensity and subtlety. The film also starred Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Sara Arjun, and Rakesh Bedi. Riding on its success, Dhurandhar 2 has already been announced and is set to release in theaters on March 19.