Drishyam 3: Akshaye Khanna’s Drishyam 3 Exit Rumours Spark Industry Buzz Amid Dhurandhar’s Historic Run
Drishyam 3: Akshaye Khanna has found himself at the center of intense industry speculation following reports that he may have stepped away from Drishyam 3. The development comes at a time when the actor is enjoying massive commercial success with Dhurandhar, making the situation even more intriguing for film trade observers and fans alike. While multiple reports suggest disagreements over remuneration and creative direction, there is still no official confirmation, keeping the conversation wide open.

Reports Around the Alleged Exit from Drishyam 3
According to several media sources, Akshaye Khanna has reportedly exited Drishyam 3 after talks with the makers failed to reach a mutual agreement. The discussions are said to have revolved around financial terms as well as certain creative expectations related to the character. However, industry insiders also claim that negotiations are ongoing and that no final decision has been documented in writing. This uncertainty has only fueled curiosity around the future casting of the much-anticipated sequel.
Remuneration and Creative Differences Explained
Trade portal Bollywood Machine reported that after the extraordinary box office response to Dhurandhar, Akshaye Khanna requested a substantial hike in his acting fee. Alongside the revised remuneration, he also reportedly sought modifications to his on-screen appearance and aspects of character development in Drishyam 3. These requests allegedly created friction with the production team, leading to an impasse. While such negotiations are common in big-budget Bollywood projects, the scale of the franchise has amplified public interest in this particular case.
Ongoing Talks and Lack of Official Statement
Despite the strong buzz suggesting an exit, neither Akshaye Khanna nor the producers of Drishyam 3 have issued an official statement. Sources close to the project indicate that discussions have not been completely shut down. This leaves room for the actor’s possible return if common ground is found. Until a formal announcement is made, the situation remains fluid, and fans are closely monitoring every update related to casting decisions.
Dhurandhar Box Office Performance Sets New Benchmarks
The timing of these reports coincides with one of the most successful phases of Akshaye Khanna’s career. Directed by Aditya Dhar, Dhurandhar stars Ranveer Singh alongside Khanna and has emerged as a dominant force at the Indian box office. According to trade tracking platform Sacnilk, the film earned an estimated Rs 17.25 crore net in India on its nineteenth day. This pushed its total Hindi net collection to approximately Rs 590 crore.
Record-Breaking Numbers and Industry Impact
With these figures, Dhurandhar has surpassed the Hindi box office lifetime collection of Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan, which concluded its run at Rs 582.31 crore. The spy action thriller opened with impressive numbers, collecting Rs 207.25 crore in its first week, followed by Rs 253.25 crore by the end of its second week. Such sustained momentum highlights strong audience engagement, repeat viewership, and positive word-of-mouth, all of which have elevated Akshaye Khanna’s market value significantly.
What This Means for Drishyam 3
Drishyam 3 is being directed by Abhishek Pathak and features Ajay Devgn in the lead role. The film is currently scheduled for a theatrical release on October 2, 2026. Given the franchise’s loyal audience base and critical acclaim, casting decisions play a crucial role in maintaining continuity and narrative strength. An official update regarding Akshaye Khanna’s involvement is now eagerly awaited, as it could influence both production timelines and audience expectations.
Looking Ahead
Whether Akshaye Khanna ultimately returns to Drishyam 3 or the filmmakers opt for a replacement remains to be seen. What is certain is that his recent box office success has reshaped negotiations and underscored his standing in the current Bollywood landscape. Until clarity emerges, the situation continues to be one of the most closely watched developments in upcoming Hindi cinema projects.