Year of Walkouts: Akshaye Khanna, Deepika Padukone & others who made headlines with SUDDEN film exits in 2025

The year 2025 was marked by several notable casting changes in Hindi cinema, with high-profile actors stepping away from anticipated projects. These exits, ranging from creative differences to scheduling conflicts, significantly impacted the production and planning of some of the most awaited films. Fans and trade insiders closely followed these developments, and each decision sparked conversations about the pressures and commitments involved in Bollywood filmmaking.

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Paresh Rawal's most talked about exit from Hera Pheri 3:

Another significant exit was that of veteran actor Paresh Rawal from Hera Pheri 3. Rawal, who has been an integral part of the franchise since the first film, confirmed he would not be returning for the sequel. He stated that his decision was personal and expressed respect for the team behind the film. The news left fans curious about how the filmmakers would adapt the storyline and cast new characters to maintain the comedic chemistry that the series is known for. Rawal’s exit also reflected a broader trend in Bollywood, where actors are increasingly selective about reprising roles in long-running franchises. For the uninformed, reports later confirmed that the actor is now back on board.

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Diljit Dosanjh leaves No Entry 2:

Diljit Dosanjh exited No Entry 2, the sequel to the hit comedy, due to scheduling conflicts. Producer Boney Kapoor confirmed the departure and emphasized that both parties parted on amicable terms. Dosanjh’s exit illustrates the pressures actors face when juggling multiple projects, particularly when working across regional and Hindi cinema. The film had to adjust its shooting schedule and consider casting alternatives to maintain momentum for the project.

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Deepika Padukone: Spirit and Kalki 2898 AD Sequel

Deepika Padukone exited two major projects in 2025. She stepped away from Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, reportedly due to date and commitment issues. Additionally, she left the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, with producers noting the extensive commitment required for the project. Both exits were widely discussed and reflected the challenges actors face in balancing multiple high-profile projects simultaneously.

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Ranveer Singh quits Don 3:

Ranveer Singh opted out of the high-profile action sequel Don 3. The reports of his exit from the franchise came especially after the massive success of Dhurandhar. Known for his energetic performances, Singh’s departure surprised many fans, raising questions about potential replacements and the impact on the franchise’s dynamic. This highlighted the difficulty of coordinating schedules for actors involved in multiple large-scale projects.

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Akshaye Khanna opts out of Drishyam 3:

Akshaye Khanna’s exit from Drishyam 3 was one of the biggest casting updates of the year. The actor, who was expected to reprise a key role, stepped away reportedly due to creative differences and scheduling challenges. Following his departure, the script was revised, and new actors were brought in to adjust the storyline. His exit has led to a lot of controversy, with producer Kumar Mangat and director Abhishek Pathak lashing out at Khanna for exiting the film 5 days before the film was suppose to go on floor. Fans of the franchise expressed surprise, given the consistent acclaim the series has received.

These high-profile exits reflect the broader realities of Bollywood, where actors balance multiple commitments, franchises, and personal priorities. Scheduling conflicts, creative differences, and the increasing scale of big-budget projects mean that casting changes have become a common part of the filmmaking process. For audiences, these exits offer a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes decisions that shape the films they eagerly anticipate.

As 2025 comes to a close, the industry is preparing for 2026 with reshuffled casts, revised scripts, and fresh opportunities for both actors and filmmakers. While fans may feel disappointed by these departures, they also highlight the adaptability and resilience of Bollywood productions. Despite the challenges, filmmakers continue to deliver content that keeps audiences engaged, proving that even in the face of casting shakeups, the show goes on.