Akshaye Khanna is enjoying a remarkable resurgence in his career, driven by a string of powerful performances that have firmly re-established his standing in Bollywood. Following widespread acclaim for his restrained yet commanding role in Dhurandhar, the actor has emerged as one of the most dependable performers of 2025. His impactful turn as the lead antagonist in Chhaava further strengthened his momentum, making him one of the most sought-after actors in the industry today.
With this renewed success, it appears Akshaye Khanna has reassessed his professional worth — a move that has reportedly led to complications with one of Hindi cinema’s most anticipated projects, Drishyam 3.
Fee Hike Leads To Reported Exit
According to a report by Bollywood Machine, Akshaye Khanna has allegedly stepped away from Drishyam 3 after the makers were unwilling to meet his revised remuneration demands. The actor played a crucial role in Drishyam 2, where his character added depth and tension to the narrative, earning praise from both critics and audiences. Naturally, fans were eager to see his return in the third instalment.
However, sources suggest that financial negotiations hit a roadblock, ultimately leading to his reported exit from the project. In addition to remuneration concerns, the report hints at possible creative differences between the actor and the makers, which may have further influenced the decision.
Talks Still Ongoing?
Despite the reports, the situation may not be entirely closed. Insiders claim that discussions between Akshaye Khanna and the production team are still ongoing, and a final call has yet to be made. Given the importance of his character in the franchise, the makers are said to be keen on resolving the issues, should a mutually agreeable solution be found.
Whether the actor ultimately rejoins the project remains uncertain, but his absence would undoubtedly be felt in the evolving narrative of the Drishyam universe.
Drishyam 3: What We Know So Far
Meanwhile, Drishyam 3 continues to generate strong buzz. The makers recently unveiled an announcement video featuring Ajay Devgn’s voiceover, teasing the next chapter of the gripping thriller series. The film is being developed simultaneously in Malayalam, with the original version expected to release ahead of the Hindi adaptation.
The Hindi version of Drishyam 3 is slated for a theatrical release on October 2, 2026 — a date that holds symbolic significance for the franchise. Alongside Ajay Devgn, the film will also feature Tabu, Shriya Saran, and Ishita Dutta reprising their roles.
Jay-Ho Catch-Up
As Bollywood recalibrates star power in an era driven by performance-led success, Akshaye Khanna’s reported exit from Drishyam 3 underscores a larger industry shift — one where credibility and consistency now directly influence value. Whether this moment leads to a reconciliation or a creative reset, one thing is certain: Akshaye Khanna’s resurgence has placed him firmly at the centre of high-stakes conversations, and audiences will be watching closely to see how this chapter unfolds.
