One of Bollywood’s biggest behind-the-scenes stories right now revolves around Akshaye Khanna and his sudden exit from the much-anticipated Drishyam 3. Fans were left stunned when news broke that the actor – fresh off tremendous acclaim for his intense role in Dhurandhar – would no longer be part of the Ajay Devgn-led thriller. Akshaye Khanna Exits Drishyam 3!
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Akshaye’s departure comes just days before principal photography was set to begin, and despite several theories floating around, the reasons seem to be a mix of creative disagreements and negotiations that didn’t align. Reports suggest that after the massive success of Dhurandhar and Chhaava, Akshaye’s market value skyrocketed, leading him to revise his remuneration demands, with some sources citing figures around ₹21 crore – a significant rise compared to what was initially agreed for Drishyam 3 (though specific amounts remain unconfirmed).
Beyond pay, insider chatter also mentions a clash of creative visions. At one point, Akshaye even proposed changes – like wearing a wig – that the production team felt would disrupt continuity from Drishyam 2, where he portrayed IG Tarun Ahlawat.
The producer’s reaction has stirred as much buzz as the exit itself. Drishyam 3’s makers have publicly labelled his behaviour on set as “unprofessional” and “toxic”, even hinting at legal remedies after he reportedly walked out just ten days before shoot. They’ve already moved quickly, bringing in Jaideep Ahlawat as his replacement to keep the project on track.
What makes this all the more fascinating is the timing. Akshaye’s career is undeniably on a high –Dhurandhar turned him into a social-media sensation, and his layered performances in multiple 2025 projects have drawn praise from audiences and peers alike. Yet, this Drishyam 3 twist has sparked widespread discussion: Was it ambition? A vision clash? A contractual breakdown? Or a mix of all three?
Whatever the truth, one thing is certain – this unexpected chapter has turned Drishyam 3 into one of Bollywood’s most talked-about productions of 2025–26. And fans everywhere are waiting to see how both the film and Akshaye’s next moves unfold.
Akshaye Khanna Exits Drishyam 3!
