Akshaye Khanna Steps Away From Drishyam 3 After Dhurandhar Triumph

| Published: Wednesday, December 24, 2025, 12:55 [IST]

Fresh off the thunderous success of Dhurandhar, Akshaye Khanna finds himself at a turning point once again. Just as audiences and critics celebrate his powerful on-screen presence, reports suggest the actor has decided to step away from Ajay Devgn’s much-anticipated Drishyam 3. The development has sparked curiosity across the industry, especially given the franchise’s massive popularity and Khanna’s impactful role in the previous installment.

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Akshaye Khanna’s Big Career Moment

Akshaye Khanna is currently enjoying one of the strongest phases of his career. His portrayal of the chilling Rehman Dakait in Dhurandhar has been widely hailed as one of his finest performances in recent years. The actor’s ability to bring restraint, menace, and depth to the role earned him unanimous praise, reaffirming his reputation as one of Bollywood’s most dependable performers.

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Why Akshaye Reportedly Opted Out of Drishyam 3

According to industry reports, Akshaye Khanna has exited Drishyam 3 due to a combination of remuneration concerns and creative differences. Following the overwhelming success of Dhurandhar, the actor is said to have sought a revision in his fee along with changes to his character’s on-screen appearance. These discussions reportedly led to differences with the makers, eventually resulting in his decision to step away from the project.

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No Official Word Yet

While the reports have gained significant traction online, neither Akshaye Khanna nor the makers of Drishyam 3 have issued an official statement so far. Insiders suggest that conversations may still be ongoing, leaving the door slightly open for resolution. Fans, meanwhile, are keenly awaiting clarity on whether the actor’s departure is final or if a middle ground can still be reached.

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What Lies Ahead for Drishyam 3

Directed by Abhishek Pathak, Drishyam 3 will see Ajay Devgn return as Vijay Salgaonkar in what is expected to be the concluding chapter of the suspense-driven franchise. Slated for a theatrical release on October 2, 2026, the film continues to generate strong buzz, even amid casting uncertainties. The franchise’s loyal fan base remains eager to see how the story unfolds.

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Dhurandhar’s Historic Box Office Run

Meanwhile, Dhurandhar continues its remarkable journey at the box office. The espionage thriller, led by Ranveer Singh and supported by a powerhouse ensemble including Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, and Arjun Rampal, has crossed staggering revenue milestones. With over ₹580 crore collected in just 18 days, the film has cemented its place as one of the biggest hits of the year, further amplifying Akshaye Khanna’s market value.

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What’s Next for Akshaye Khanna

With Dhurandhar still dominating conversations, Akshaye Khanna appears to be carefully recalibrating his choices. Whether his exit from Drishyam 3 marks a temporary pause or a decisive shift remains to be seen, but one thing is clear–the actor’s recent success has firmly placed him back in the spotlight as a performer in high demand.

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