Drishyam 3 Casting Update: Akshaye Khanna Exits Over Fee Dispute, Jaideep Ahlawat Joins Ajay Devgn-Tabu Thriller
Drishyam 3 Casting News: Big twist in the much-awaited Drishyam 3! Akshaye Khanna, who played the sharp cop Tarun Ahlawat in Drishyam 2, has reportedly walked out of the film due to a **fee dispute**. In his place, intense actor Jaideep Ahlawat (Paatal Lok fame) has been roped in for a pivotal role. The Ajay Devgn-Tabu starrer is set to release on October 2, 2026. Here's everything you need to know about this casting shake-up! 🔥
Why Did Akshaye Khanna Leave Drishyam 3?
According to reports from Bollywood Hungama and Pinkvilla:
- After the massive success of his 2025 blockbuster Dhurandhar (₹1000 Cr+ worldwide), Akshaye Khanna hiked his fee to ₹21 crore for Drishyam 3.
- Producers Panorama Studios found this amount too high for the film's budget and decided to part ways.
- There were also creative differences – Akshaye wanted to wear a wig to change his look, but makers wanted continuity with Drishyam 2 (no wig in previous film).
- His name was missing from the official cast announcement poster, confirming the exit.
Jaideep Ahlawat Joins Drishyam 3 – What Role Will He Play?
Jaideep Ahlawat has officially signed on for Drishyam 3. Known for powerful performances in Paatal Lok, Jaane Jaan, and Three of Us, Jaideep will bring a new intensity to the franchise.
- He will play a crucial investigative officer or antagonist role – reports suggest it's a new character, not a direct replacement for Akshaye's Tarun Ahlawat.
- This will be his first collaboration with Ajay Devgn and Tabu.
- Jaideep's casting adds fresh suspense – his brooding screen presence is perfect for a cat-and-mouse game with Vijay Salgaonkar (Ajay Devgn).
Drishyam 3 Full Cast & Details
- Lead: Ajay Devgn as Vijay Salgaonkar
- Tabu as Meera Deshmukh
- Shriya Saran, Ishita Dutta, Mrunal Jadhav reprising family roles
- New Addition: Jaideep Ahlawat
- Director: Abhishek Pathak
- Release Date: October 2, 2026 (Gandhi Jayanti weekend)
- Genre: Suspense Thriller
Drishyam Franchise Box Office Recap
| Movie | Year | India Net (₹ Cr) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drishyam | 2015 | 76 | Hit |
| Drishyam 2 | 2022 | 240+ | Blockbuster |
| Drishyam 3 | 2026 | Expected 300+ Cr? | TBA |
With Jaideep Ahlawat's entry, Drishyam 3 promises even bigger twists and a stronger showdown. Fans are excited to see Vijay Salgaonkar's new challenge!
Stay tuned to filmpanti.in for all Drishyam 3 updates, shooting news, and trailer! 🚀
Sources: Bollywood Hungama, Pinkvilla (as of December 27, 2025)
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