In a surprising turn of events, actor Akshaye Khanna has reportedly stepped away from the highly anticipated thriller sequel, 'Drishyam 3'. This development comes on the heels of the massive box office success of his latest film, 'Dhurandhar', where his performance as Rehman Dakait has been widely acclaimed.
Why Akshaye Khanna Left the Drishyam Franchise
According to a report by Bollywood Machine, the actor's exit stems from a combination of financial and creative disagreements with the film's producers. The primary point of contention was remuneration. Following the phenomenal performance of 'Dhurandhar', which has crossed Rs 580 crore in just 18 days, Khanna is said to have asked for a significant fee hike to reprise his role in the third installment.
Beyond the monetary aspect, the actor also expressed a desire for various changes to his character's on-screen look and presentation. These creative differences ultimately led to a stalemate in negotiations, resulting in Khanna's decision to leave the project. It is important to note that while talks between the two parties are reportedly still ongoing, no official statement has been released to confirm or deny this major casting change.
What's Next for Drishyam 3?
Despite this setback, the wheels for 'Drishyam 3' continue to turn. The film remains one of the most awaited sequels in Indian cinema. It will be directed by Abhishek Pathak and will once again be headlined by Ajay Devgn. The production has already locked in a major festive release date: October 2, 2026. Fans of the suspenseful franchise are now eagerly waiting to see how the makers will navigate this casting shift and who might step into the role vacated by Khanna.
Dhurandhar's Historic Box Office Run
The context for Khanna's increased market demand is clear. 'Dhurandhar', the espionage thriller directed by Aditya Dhar and led by Ranveer Singh, is enjoying a historic run in theaters. Released on December 5, 2025, the film shows no signs of slowing down even in its third week. Alongside Singh and Khanna, the film features a stellar ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Sara Arjun, with pivotal roles played by Naveen Kaushik, Gaurav Gera, and Saumya Tandon.
Its staggering collection of over Rs 580 crore in under three weeks has solidified its position as a blockbuster, naturally elevating the profile and bargaining power of its key performers. This professional high makes Akshaye Khanna's departure from 'Drishyam 3' a significant industry talking point, highlighting the dynamic interplay between star power, box office success, and franchise filmmaking in Bollywood.
