Actor Akshaye Khanna has reportedly decided to withdraw from the highly anticipated Ajay Devgn-led film Drishyam 3 following a disagreement over terms.
Reports suggest the actor opted out due to a combination of remuneration concerns and creative differences with the production team. Khanna’s market value has surged following his acclaimed portrayal of Rehman Dakait in the espionage thriller Dhurandhar, which was released on 5 December 2025. This success reportedly led the actor to seek a fee hike and request specific changes to his on-screen appearance, leading to a stalemate in negotiations with director Abhishek Pathak and the makers.
The timing of this development is significant as Khanna’s current project, Dhurandhar, continues to shatter records. Directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh, the film has amassed a staggering ₹580 crore within just 18 days of its theatrical run. The film features an ensemble cast including Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal, with a sequel already scheduled for release on March 19, 2026.
Given the historic success of the franchise, Khanna’s potential exit from Drishyam 3, which is ironically slated for release on October 2, 2026 marks a major shift for the production.
While official statements from the actor or the production house are currently pending, sources indicate that back-channel negotiations are still ongoing in an attempt to reach a consensus. Fans of the franchise are hopeful for a resolution, as Khanna's presence was expected to be a highlight of the third instalment.
The Drishyam series remains one of Bollywood's most successful suspense brands, and the outcome of these financial discussions will likely dictate the final casting structure before filming commences next year.