Akshaye Khanna will not be a part of Drishyam 3, which is slated to release on October 2, 2026, with Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, and Rajat Kapoor. Khanna's absence has sparked considerable discussion, especially considering his well-received performance in Drishyam 2 (2022) and his recent success in Dhurandhar.

Reports suggest that Khanna's departure stems from a disagreement over his remuneration for the film. Following the massive box office success of Dhurandhar, where he played Rehman Dakait, Khanna reportedly revised his fee, demanding ₹21 crores for Drishyam 3. Sources indicate that the producers of Drishyam 3, Panorama Studios and Viacom18 Studios, found this revised fee to be beyond the film's budget. The makers tried to negotiate with Khanna, but he felt his demand was justified, given his enhanced market value and the excitement his presence would bring to the film.

In addition to the financial disagreement, creative differences also reportedly played a role in Khanna's exit. One specific point of contention was Khanna's suggestion to wear a wig for his character in Drishyam 3. The filmmakers were reportedly uncomfortable with this idea, as Khanna did not wear a wig in Drishyam 2, and they wanted to maintain continuity.

Despite these disagreements, sources maintain that Khanna's departure from Drishyam 3 was amicable. He reportedly wished the makers well, and both parties hope to collaborate on future projects when they can find common ground.

Akshaye Khanna's performance in Drishyam 2 was a major highlight, with the chemistry and tension between his character, IG Tarun Ahlawat, and Ajay Devgn's character being cited as a driving force for the sequel's success. Drishyam 2 was a significant commercial success, earning over ₹240 crores in India and boosting the film industry after the pandemic.

Khanna's recent performance in Dhurandhar has been widely praised, contributing to his increased market value. Dhurandhar has reportedly grossed over ₹600 crore and is heading towards ₹700 crore, potentially becoming the highest-grossing Hindi movie of all time.

While the loss of Akshaye Khanna is considered a creative setback, the Drishyam franchise remains a strong brand in Indian cinema. The series is known for its intricate plot and the dynamic between the Salgaonkar family and the system. As Drishyam 3 progresses through production, the focus will likely be on maintaining the film's secrets and delivering a compelling storyline.

Drishyam 3 is directed by Abhishek Pathak and stars Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, and Rajat Kapoor.