Jaideep Ahlawat Replaces Akshaye Khanna In Drishyam 3; Here’s Why Khanna Exited!
Big casting shake-up alert in Bollywood’s favorite thriller franchise. Just when fans were gearing up for Drishyam 3, Akshaye Khanna has stepped away from the film, and Jaideep Ahlawat has officially come on board.
Jaideep Ahlawat Replaces Akshaye Khanna In Drishyam 3; Here’s Why Khanna Exited!
Akshaye Khanna is currently riding high after the massive success of Dhurandhar, where he impressed audiences as Rehman Dakait. Add his previous release Chhaava to that winning streak, and the actor understandably hiked up his fee to around ₹21 crore. However, this didn’t quite work for the Drishyam 3 makers, who reportedly had strict budget limitations.
(Also Read: Read More About Dhurandhar Star Akshaye Khanna’s Personal Life, Dating History & More!)
Money wasn’t the only sticking point. Akshaye also suggested wearing a wig for his character, something the makers weren’t comfortable with, especially since his look in Drishyam 2 was wig-free and well-received. With neither the financial nor creative concerns finding middle ground, Akshaye decided to walk away from the project, shortly after Ajay Devgn announced the film’s release date.
Enter Jaideep Ahlawat.
The actor has been roped in for what insiders describe as a ‘pivotal and extremely exciting role’ that will bring a fresh twist to the Drishyam universe. Jaideep is set to begin shooting in January 2026, and honestly, fans are already curious about how his intense screen presence will shake things up.
Drishyam 3 Release Date:
Meanwhile, Drishyam 3 is very much on track. Directed by Abhishek Pathak, the film will see Ajay Devgn return as Vijay Salgaonkar, with Tabu reprising her role as IG Meera Deshmukh. Shriya Saran and Ishita Dutta are also back. The film is slated for a Gandhi Jayanti release on October 2, 2026, promising the same nail-biting tension, clever twists, and mind games fans love.
After Dhurandhar, Even Ranveer Singh Quit Don 3
Interestingly, Akshaye is not the only star making big career calls post-Dhurandhar. Ranveer Singh also exited Farhan Akhtar’s Don 3 after the film’s success. The reason? Ranveer reportedly wanted to avoid doing back-to-back gangster action roles. Instead, he is fast-tracking his zombie thriller Pralay, strategically making clear shift in genre and energy!