Following closely on the heels of reports that Ranveer Singh has exited "Don 3," citing a desire to diversify his roles after the blockbuster success of "Dhurandhar," similar news is emerging regarding Akshaye Khanna and "Drishyam 3". Khanna, who garnered significant praise for his portrayal of Rehman Dakait in "Dhurandhar," is reportedly stepping away from the Ajay Devgn-led franchise.
According to sources, Khanna's decision stems from a combination of factors, including disagreements over remuneration and creative differences with the makers of "Drishyam 3". Reports suggest that following the overwhelming success of "Dhurandhar," which has reportedly earned over ₹580 crore in 18 days, Khanna sought a fee hike to reprise his role in the third installment of the "Drishyam" series. In "Drishyam 2," Khanna played the role of IGP Tarun Ahlawat, adding a crucial layer to the crime mystery thriller.
In addition to the financial aspect, it is also reported that Khanna requested changes to his on-screen appearance for "Drishyam 3," which did not align with the creative vision of the film's production team. These differences in opinion reportedly led to a standstill in negotiations, ultimately resulting in Khanna's departure from the project.
"Dhurandhar," where Khanna plays a Karachi gangster named Rehman Dakait, has been a significant career boost for the actor. His performance has been lauded for its intensity and restraint, contributing to the film's impressive box office run. The film, which also stars Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan and Arjun Rampal, has been a major commercial success. This success seemingly prompted Khanna to reassess his market value and the creative direction of his future projects.
While there has been no official confirmation from Khanna or the makers of "Drishyam 3" regarding his exit, reports indicate that discussions may still be ongoing to find a mutually agreeable solution. "Drishyam 3" is being directed by Abhishek Pathak and is slated for a theatrical release on October 2, 2026. The film will see Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, and Ishita Dutta reprising their roles.
Meanwhile, Ranveer Singh, who also starred in "Dhurandhar", has reportedly stepped away from Farhan Akhtar's "Don 3". Sources suggest that Singh wants to explore diverse roles and avoid being typecast in back-to-back gangster films after the success of "Dhurandhar". Singh is now reportedly focusing on "Pralay," a zombie thriller directed by Jai Mehta.
The simultaneous reports of Khanna and Singh leaving their respective projects highlight the impact of "Dhurandhar's" success on their career trajectories. It remains to be seen whether Khanna will eventually return to "Drishyam 3," but for now, fans await official statements as the industry buzzes with speculation.
