Akshaye Khanna Likely to Exit Drishyam 3 Over Creative Differences After Dhurandhar Success: Report

Akshaye Khanna is riding a remarkable career resurgence, powered by his critically acclaimed performance in Dhurandhar. The actor’s understated yet commanding screen presence has earned widespread praise, firmly re-establishing him as one of the most dependable performers in Hindi cinema today. Adding further weight to his resurgence, Khanna also played a pivotal antagonist in another major 2025 blockbuster, Chhaava, significantly boosting his market standing.

With this renewed demand, reports now suggest that Akshaye Khanna has revised his remuneration  a move that may have impacted one of the most awaited projects currently in development, Drishyam 3.

According to a report by Bollywood Machine, the makers of Drishyam 3 were reportedly unwilling to meet the actor’s revised fee expectations. The report further indicates that apart from financial negotiations, certain creative differences may also have emerged between the actor and the production team, collectively contributing to his reported decision to step away from the project.

For context, Akshaye Khanna played a crucial and impactful role in Drishyam 2, adding a strong narrative dimension to the sequel. His character was widely appreciated by audiences, making his return in the third installment highly anticipated.

However, the situation may not be entirely closed. The same report suggests that discussions between Akshaye Khanna and the makers are still ongoing, and a mutually agreeable resolution could still be reached. Whether the actor ultimately rejoins the franchise remains uncertain at this stage.

Meanwhile, Drishyam 3 continues to generate significant buzz. The makers recently released an announcement video featuring Ajay Devgn’s voiceover, teasing the next chapter of the hugely successful thriller franchise. The film is being produced simultaneously in Malayalam, with the original version expected to release first.

The Hindi adaptation of Drishyam 3 is currently slated for a theatrical release on October 2, 2026, a date traditionally associated with the franchise’s legacy. Alongside Ajay Devgn, the film will also star Tabu, Shriya Saran, and Ishita Dutta in key roles.

As anticipation builds, industry watchers and fans alike are keenly waiting to see whether Akshaye Khanna returns to a franchise that played a significant role in his recent cinematic momentum.

Disclaimer: The above information is based on media reports and industry sources. Official confirmation from the makers is awaited.