Akshaye Khanna’s remarkable comeback run has reportedly hit an unexpected roadblock. The actor, who recently earned widespread acclaim for his performances in Dhurandhar and Chhaava, has stepped away from Drishyam 3 — just days after the film’s release date was announced by Ajay Devgn.
According to industry reports, the exit stems from a disagreement over remuneration and creative terms, leading to a quiet but firm separation between the actor and the makers.
What Triggered Akshaye Khanna’s Exit
As per reports, Akshaye Khanna revised his fee to ₹21 crore following the strong response to his recent films. His chilling turn in Chhaava and scene-stealing performance as Lyari gangster Rehman Dakait in Dhurandhar have positioned him as one of the most talked-about actors in the industry right now.
Sources claim that while Akshaye felt the revised fee reflected his current market value and the added excitement his presence brings to a project, the Drishyam 3 team was constrained by budget limitations.
Despite discussions, both sides reportedly failed to reach common ground.
Creative Differences Also Played a Role
Apart from remuneration, creative choices may have further complicated matters. One point of disagreement reportedly involved Akshaye’s request to wear a wig for Drishyam 3. The makers were said to be uncomfortable with the idea, especially since his character — IG Tarun Ahlawat — appeared without a wig in Drishyam 2.
While not the primary reason, this difference reportedly added to the overall friction.
A Mutual, Amicable Split
Insiders suggest that Akshaye chose to exit the project once it became clear that his terms wouldn’t be met. However, the separation appears to have been handled professionally, with no bad blood involved.
The Drishyam 3 team is said to be open to collaborating with the actor again in the future, provided circumstances align.
Akshaye Khanna’s Journey in the Drishyam Franchise
Akshaye joined the Drishyam universe in 2022 as IG Tarun Ahlawat, a sharp and relentless officer assisting Tabu’s IG Meera Deshmukh in her pursuit of Vijay Salgaonkar (Ajay Devgn). His controlled intensity added a fresh edge to the franchise, making his absence from the third installment particularly notable.
What’s Next for Akshaye Khanna
Despite stepping away from Drishyam 3, Akshaye Khanna’s career momentum shows no signs of slowing. He is set to make his Telugu cinema debut with Mahakali, marking a new chapter in his already impressive filmography.
Final Words
Akshaye Khanna’s exit from Drishyam 3 underscores a familiar industry truth — success reshapes equations. With back-to-back standout performances elevating his standing, the actor is clearly reassessing his value and choices. Whether or not Drishyam 3 feels his absence remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Akshaye Khanna is firmly back at the center of Bollywood conversations.
