Akshaye Khanna Quits Drishyam 3: What Went Wrong Behind the Scenes?

Akshaye Khanna’s surprising exit from Drishyam 3 has set Bollywood buzzing and not just because he’s one of the industry’s most respected actors. The fallout touches on creative clashes, contract wrangles, and bigger questions about character continuity and storytelling in one of Hindi cinema’s most successful thriller franchises.

In Drishyam 2, Khanna played IG Tarun Ahlawat, an upright and relentless police officer paired with Tabu’s IG Meera Deshmukh as they pursued the truth behind Vijay Salgaonkar’s (Ajay Devgn) family’s dark secret. His role, while not the lead, was memorable, a formidable antagonist with a sharp mind, cool composure, and escalating tension with Vijay as the story unfolded. The performance added layers to the classic cat and mouse dynamic that fans had loved since the first film.


Khanna’s portrayal helped elevate Drishyam 2 from a simple sequel to a gripping psychological duel, earning praise from critics and audiences alike. Given how his character’s investigative prowess and moral ambiguity resonated, his return in Drishyam 3 seemed natural and eagerly anticipated. The news of his departure, therefore, was a jolt for fans and industry insiders alike.


So, what really led to Khanna’s decision to quit?

Multiple reports suggest a major sticking point was remuneration. After back to back successes, notably Dhurandhar and other recent performances, Khanna reportedly revised his fee, pushing for around Rs 21 crore, a figure the Drishyam 3 producers found untenable within their budget constraints.

It wasn’t just money. According to production sources, there were creative disagreements, including over his character’s appearance. Khanna allegedly requested to wear a wig to fit a specific look, a request that, producers felt, caused continuity issues with his character’s established arc from Drishyam 2.

What makes this even more dramatic is how Khanna reportedly withdrew: just days before filming was to begin, he sent a message stepping away from the project, leaving the production scrambling. Attempts to contact him further reportedly went unanswered, prompting the makers to move swiftly to recast.

The situation escalated quickly, so much so that the producers have reportedly sent a legal notice citing financial losses and unprofessional conduct related to Khanna’s abrupt exit. Statements from the producer paint a picture of frustration, with claims that communication broke down entirely in the final stretch.

These developments create a rare public dispute in a high profile Hindi film, especially one attached to major stars like Ajay Devgn and Tabu.

Despite the controversy, Drishyam 3 is moving forward. Jaideep Ahlawat has been brought on board in what the producers describe as a fresh casting move and while there’s debate about whether he’s replacing Khanna’s character directly, the intent is clear: keep the franchise momentum going with compelling performances and story evolution.

Director Abhishek Pathak has also pushed back on simple “replacement” narratives, hinting that the character dynamics are being rethought rather than merely swapping one actor for another. This could signal a narrative shift, potentially expanding the story beyond where Drishyam 2 left off, or introducing new conflicts suited to the evolving cast.

For a franchise built on tense psychological drama and intricate plotting, this creative reshuffle might offer unexpected opportunities. Yet it also carries risks: Drishyam’s core appeal has long been its tightly wound, character driven suspense. Fans of Khanna’s IG Tarun Ahlawat, who added depth and moral complexity to the police pursuit may wonder how his absence will shift that balance.

The split has triggered polarized reactions online. Some industry voices see Khanna’s departure as a natural next step in his rising career arc, bolstered by recent hits and heightened star value. Others argue that leaving a major franchise installment at the last minute was unprofessional, especially given how beloved his Drishyam 2 role had become.

Regardless, the controversy has only amplified interest in Drishyam 3, with audiences now curious not just about the story, but about how the production handles this mid course adjustment.

With filming underway and a release date set; October 2, 2026, the stakes are high. Drishyam 3 promises to continue the Salgaonkar family’s gripping journey, but with new faces, new tensions, and a reshaped creative landscape.

Whether this chapter becomes a triumphant evolution or a cautionary tale about balancing star power and franchise integrity remains to be seen. For now, Bollywood’s eyes are on the film’s rollout and quietly on Khanna’s next big move.

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