Akshaye Khanna Exits Drishyam 3 Amid ‘Dhurandhar’ Success !

Drishyam 3 : Official Reports Claim Akshaye Khanna Won’t Continue with Drishyam 3

Bollywood actor Akshaye Khanna has reportedly stepped away from the highly anticipated thriller Drishyam 3, starring Ajay Devgn. According to multiple entertainment sources, Khanna’s exit comes on the heels of the blockbuster success of his recent film Dhurandhar a development that has sparked widespread speculation among fans and industry insiders.

Official Reports Claim Akshaye Khanna Won’t Continue with Drishyam 3
Industry publications first reported that Khanna, who was expected to reprise a significant role in Drishyam 3, will no longer be part of the cast. The decision reportedly followed the overwhelming response to his performance in Dhurandhar, which has opened new opportunities for the actor and shifted his project priorities.

While the makers of Drishyam 3 slated for October 2026 release have not issued a formal statement on the matter, insiders suggest that scheduling conflicts and creative considerations may have influenced Khanna’s decision. The possibility of a major star stepping back from one of Bollywood’s most anticipated sequels has stirred considerable buzz across social media and entertainment circles.

Was This a Creative Decision or Scheduling Clash?
Unconfirmed reports indicate that Drishyam 3 director and producers may have hinted at Khanna’s departure in the film’s recent official communications, including the release date announcement post. Observers noted a conspicuous absence of Khanna’s mention, leading to further speculation that the development was intentional rather than incidental. However, neither the production team nor Akshaye Khanna’s representatives have publicly clarified the reasons behind the split, leaving room for industry watchers to debate whether this was a mutual decision or a result of conflicting project commitments.

Impact on the Film and Fan Reactions
Drishyam 3, already generating significant anticipation after the announcement of its October 2026 release and the return of core cast members, now faces questions about casting changes and storyline adjustments.

Fans have taken to social media with mixed reactions some expressing disappointment that Khanna won’t be involved, while others share optimism about how the narrative might evolve without his character. Online trends show keywords like “Akshaye Khanna Drishyam 3 exit” and “Drishyam 3 cast change” gaining traction as audiences speculate on the sequel’s direction.

Akshaye Khanna’s Rising Momentum Post Dhurandhar
Khanna’s decision to prioritize post Dhurandhar opportunities highlights a career moment of strategic choices. The actor’s recent work has received critical praise and box office validation, increasing demand for his presence in diverse and high impact projects.

Whether this signals a long-term shift in Khanna’s filmography remains to be seen, but for now, his absence from Drishyam 3 marks one of the more talked about developments in Bollywood’s 2026 film calendar.

What’s Next for Drishyam 3?
As Drishyam 3 prep continues, producers may soon announce updated casting details to clarify Khanna’s absence. Given the franchise’s legacy and fanbase, expectations remain high and the upcoming months are likely to bring more official updates.

Drishyam 1, directed by Nishikant Kamat, starred Ajay Devgn as Vijay Salgaonkar, alongside Tabu, Shriya Saran, and Ishita Dutta. A remake of the Malayalam original, the film released in July 2015 and became a sleeper blockbuster. Made on a modest budget, Drishyam earned around ₹76 – 80 crore at the Indian box office and was praised for its gripping screenplay, realistic performances, and intelligent storytelling. The film’s success established it as one of Bollywood’s most respected crime thrillers.

Seven years later, Drishyam 2 arrived under the direction of Abhishek Pathak, with the core cast returning, including Ajay Devgn, Tabu, and Shriya Saran. Released in November 2022, the sequel opened to strong word of mouth and impressive collections, grossing approximately ₹240 – 250 crore worldwide, making it a major box office hit. Produced by Panorama Studios, Drishyam 2 was applauded for elevating the suspense and emotional depth, firmly cementing the franchise’s place among the most successful thriller series in Hindi cinema.