Akshaye Khanna is currently riding high on the massive success of Dhurandhar. His portrayal of Rehman Dakait has earned widespread critical acclaim. However, amid the film’s historic box office run, reports suggest that the actor has decided to step away from his next confirmed project, Ajay Devgn-led Drishyam 3.
According to a report by Bollywood Machine, Akshaye Khanna has opted out of the third instalment of the popular Drishyam franchise due to remuneration concerns. Another reason is the creative differences with the makers. The actor reportedly sought a fee hike following the overwhelming response to Dhurandhar, which has significantly elevated his market value. In addition to financial negotiations, the report claims that Khanna also requested several changes to his on-screen look for the film, leading to disagreements with the production team.
As discussions failed to reach a consensus, the actor is said to have exited the project. That said, the report adds that negotiations between Akshaye Khanna and the makers are still ongoing. This leaves the door open for a possible resolution. As of now, no official statement has been issued by either the actor or the production team. Fans are awaiting clarity on the future of his role in Drishyam 3.
Directed by Abhishek Pathak, Drishyam 3 will once again feature Ajay Devgn in the lead. In a poetic justice of sorts, the film is scheduled for a theatrical release on October 2, 2026. The franchise has been a major box office success, making Khanna’s reported exit a significant development.
Meanwhile, Dhurandhar continues to dominate the box office. The espionage thriller has been directed by Aditya Dhar. The project, headlined by Ranveer Singh, has collected over ₹580 crore within just 18 days of release. Despite entering its third week, the film shows no signs of slowing down.
Released on December 5, 2025, Dhurandhar stars a powerhouse of talent, including Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Rakesh Bedi, and Sara Arjun, among others. The second part of the film is set to release on March 19, 2026
Also Read: Is Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar Coming to OTT in January?
