Drishyam 3 finds new addition as Jaideep Ahlawat steps in after Akshaye Khanna’s exit

After Akshaye Khanna’s exit from Drishyam 3, the popular thriller franchise has found a notable new addition. Actor Jaideep Ahlawat has officially joined the cast of the upcoming film, stepping into a key role alongside Ajay Devgn and Tabu. His inclusion adds a fresh layer of intrigue to the third instalment, which already carries strong expectations among audiences.

According to a report by Pinkvilla, Jaideep Ahlawat will begin shooting for Drishyam 3 in January 2026. He has reportedly been signed for a high impact role that is expected to introduce a significant twist to the narrative. This marks his first association with the Drishyam franchise and also his first time sharing screen space with Ajay Devgn and Tabu in this universe.

The makers have not revealed details about Jaideep’s character so far. However, his casting has sparked curiosity due to his reputation for playing intense and layered roles. Industry observers believe his presence could alter the power dynamics of the story and push the psychological tension further.

Ajay Devgn will return as Vijay Salgaonkar, a character that has remained central to the franchise since the first film. Tabu is also set to reprise her role as IG Meera Deshmukh, continuing the long running conflict that defined the earlier instalments. The makers are reportedly keen on maintaining the suspense driven tone that made the first two films successful.

Akshaye Khanna’s absence from the new cast announcement has drawn attention. The actor played IG Tarun Ahlawat in Drishyam 2 and received appreciation for his performance. Reports suggest his exit was due to a mix of financial and creative differences.

Industry sources claim that Akshaye revised his fee following the success of his recent projects Dhurandhar and Chhaava. He reportedly quoted Rs 21 crore for Drishyam 3, a figure the makers felt would strain the film’s budget.

Creative disagreements also played a role. Reports indicate Akshaye suggested changes to his on screen look, including wearing a wig. The production team wanted to maintain visual continuity with Drishyam 2. With no agreement reached, the actor chose to step away from the project. Filming preparations are underway as the team finalises schedules and casting details.