Akshaye Khanna allegedly quits Drishyam 3 after requesting fee hike and character adjustments

Akshaye Khanna has found himself in the news for reasons beyond his recent screen success. Reports suggest that the actor has allegedly stepped away from Drishyam 3, the upcoming third instalment of Ajay Devgn’s popular thriller franchise. While there is no official confirmation yet, the development has sparked widespread discussion within the industry and among fans.

According to reports, Akshaye Khanna’s reported exit is linked to disagreements with the makers over remuneration and certain creative aspects. Sources claim the actor sought a revision in his fee following the strong response to his recent film Dhurandhar. There were also discussions around changes to the visual presentation of his character, which reportedly did not align with the makers’ plans.

Insiders suggest that negotiations between the actor and the production team are still underway. As of now, there has been no formal announcement confirming either his departure or the casting of a replacement. The uncertainty has added to speculation around the film’s schedule, especially since Drishyam 3 is expected to release in 2026.

Earlier this week, Ajay Devgn officially announced Drishyam 3, surprising fans with the confirmation and its release timeline. The film has already gone on floors and is being shot across multiple locations. The makers have locked the return of key cast members, including Ajay Devgn, Tabu, and Shriya Saran. Ajay Devgn will once again reprise his role as Vijay Salgaonkar, a character that has become central to the franchise’s success.

Directed by Abhishek Pathak, Drishyam 3 is scheduled to release in theatres on October 2, 2026, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti. The announcement renewed interest in the franchise, which has built a loyal audience over two successful instalments.

Adding to the intrigue, the film is being promoted as the “Aakhri Hissa,” leading to speculation that this could be the final chapter in Vijay Salgaonkar’s story. This positioning has raised expectations about how the narrative will conclude.

The buzz around Akshaye Khanna’s reported exit comes close on the heels of Ranveer Singh’s departure from Don 3, which had already stirred debate. With multiple big franchise shakeups making headlines, industry watchers are closely tracking how Drishyam 3 will move forward in the coming months.