The much-anticipated announcement of the final installment of the hit thriller franchise, Drishyam 3, was completely overshadowed by the dramatic exit of actor Akshaye Khanna from the project. This unexpected development has created a significant roadblock in the film's production schedule, forcing the makers to scramble for a replacement just weeks before shooting was set to begin.
The Sudden Exit and Producer's Revelation
In interviews with leading publications, producer Kumar Mangat Pathak of Panorama Studios confirmed the swirling speculation. He stated that Akshaye Khanna, who is currently receiving acclaim for his role in Dhurandhar, had disagreements over his remuneration and the look of his character, IG Tarun Ahlawat. Pathak emphasized that the actor's compensation was negotiated and finalized three separate times, and an advance had already been paid.
Pathak revealed to the Times of India that Khanna's decision to walk away came as a shock, especially since the actor had been highly enthusiastic after the initial script narration. "He hugged the director after hearing the script and said the film would cross ₹500 crore," Pathak recalled. The exit became official just a day before the release of Dhurandhar on December 5, less than two weeks before the Drishyam 3 shoot was to commence.
Breakdown in Communication and Legal Action
The situation escalated when, according to the producer, Akshaye Khanna stopped responding to all calls and messages from the production team. "At least walk out graciously. How can you not respond to calls and messages?" Pathak questioned. This alleged communication blackout prompted Panorama Studios to send a legal notice to the actor.
"I have suffered losses because of Akshaye Khanna’s behaviour. I am going to take legal action. I have already sent him a legal notice; he’s yet to reply to it," Pathak told Bollywood Hungama. He firmly denied that payment was the sole issue, highlighting that creative differences, particularly concerning his character's hairstyle, played a major role in the fallout.
Enter Jaideep Ahlawat: The New IG Tarun Ahlawat
With the schedule in jeopardy, the producers moved quickly to find a replacement. Kumar Mangat Pathak confirmed that National Award-winning actor Jaideep Ahlawat has now been roped in to play the pivotal role of IG Tarun Ahlawat in Drishyam 3.
Expressing confidence in the new casting, Pathak said, "Drishyam is a very big brand. It doesn’t matter whether he is in the film or not. Now, Jaideep Ahlawat has replaced him." He went a step further, adding, "By the grace of God, we have got a better actor than Akshaye, and most importantly, we have got a better person than Akshaye as well." The producer also noted his prior working relationship with Jaideep, having produced one of the actor's early films, Aakrosh.
The Road Ahead for Drishyam 3
Despite the turbulence, the show must go on. The third part of the successful franchise, starring Ajay Devgn, Shriya Saran, Tabu, and Rajat Kapoor, is firmly on track for its theatrical release. The film is scheduled to hit cinemas nationwide on 2 October 2026. The production is expected to begin shortly with Jaideep Ahlawat now integrated into the cast, aiming to deliver another gripping chapter in the Drishyam saga.
