The highly anticipated "Drishyam 3" has been making headlines with casting updates, generating buzz among fans of the suspense thriller franchise. The film is slated to release on October 2, 2026.

Following reports of Akshaye Khanna's departure, Jaideep Ahlawat has reportedly joined the cast of "Drishyam 3". Ahlawat's inclusion is seen as a significant boost to the project, with sources suggesting he will play a pivotal role that introduces a new twist to the story. He is expected to begin shooting in January 2026 and will share screen space with Ajay Devgn and Tabu for the first time.

Akshaye Khanna, who played IG Tarun Ahlawat in "Drishyam 2," has reportedly exited the project due to a combination of financial and creative disagreements. Some reports suggest that Khanna demanded a substantial hike in his remuneration following the success of "Dhurandhar". Other reports indicate that Khanna had asked for ₹21 crore for the film. In addition to monetary concerns, there were also disagreements regarding Khanna's on-screen appearance, specifically his request to wear a wig, which the filmmakers rejected.

Ajay Devgn will reprise his role as Vijay Salgaonkar, and Tabu will return as IG Meera Deshmukh. Shriya Saran, Ishita Dutta, and Rajat Kapoor are also expected to return. "Drishyam 3" is produced by Panorama Studios and directed by Abhishek Pathak. To prevent spoilers, the filmmakers are planning a simultaneous release of the Hindi version and the original Malayalam version starring Mohanlal.

The "Drishyam" franchise has expanded globally, with remakes planned in English (Hollywood) and Korean, making it the first Indian film franchise to achieve this feat. "Drishyam 3" is being touted as the final chapter of the Salgaonkar family's saga.