Akshaye Khanna has reportedly exited Drishyam 3, the upcoming third installment of the popular Hindi crime-thriller franchise. The development has surprised fans, especially after the recent teaser and release announcement reignited excitement around the film.
While the makers have not issued an official statement yet, industry sources suggest that the actor’s exit is linked to creative and scheduling reasons, rather than any on-set conflict.
Why Akshaye Khanna Was Important to Drishyam 3
Akshaye Khanna played a pivotal role in Drishyam 2 as IG Tarun Ahlawat, a sharp and methodical officer who posed one of the toughest challenges to Vijay Salgaonkar (played by Ajay Devgn). His restrained performance and intellectual face-off with the protagonist were widely praised and became a major highlight of the sequel.
Given his character’s impact, audiences naturally expected his return in Drishyam 3, making the news of his exit particularly significant.
What Caused the Exit?
According to reports circulating within the industry, Akshaye Khanna stepped away from Drishyam 3 due to:
- Creative direction changes in the third film
- Narrative restructuring, where the story reportedly shifts focus to a different investigative arc
- Scheduling conflicts with other commitments
Sources indicate that the decision was mutual and amicable, with no bad blood between the actor and the production team.
How This Affects Drishyam 3
The absence of Akshaye Khanna alters expectations around the film’s central conflict. His character represented a cerebral antagonist — someone who matched Vijay Salgaonkar not through brute force, but intelligence and persistence.
With his exit, Drishyam 3 is expected to:
- Introduce a new investigative authority or antagonist
- Shift the tension from a cat-and-mouse duel to a broader moral and legal confrontation
- Focus more deeply on the long-term consequences of Vijay’s past actions
This change could redefine the tone of the third film, making it less about rivalry and more about resolution.
What the Makers Are Planning Next
Reports suggest that the filmmakers are either:
- Reworking the script to write out Tarun Ahlawat’s character, or
- Introducing a new senior officer or legal adversary to take the narrative forward
Casting discussions are said to be underway, but no replacement has been officially announced so far.
Akshaye Khanna’s Current Line-Up
Meanwhile, Akshaye Khanna continues to remain selective with his roles. The actor has reportedly committed to a few upcoming projects across films and streaming platforms, staying true to his reputation for choosing content-driven roles over commercial frequency.
His exit from Drishyam 3 aligns with his recent career pattern — prioritising strong character arcs and well-defined narratives.
Fan Reactions and Industry Buzz
News of Akshaye Khanna leaving Drishyam 3 quickly sparked debate online. Many fans expressed disappointment, calling his character one of the strongest additions to the franchise, while others welcomed the idea of a fresh narrative direction.
Industry observers note that while his absence will be felt, the Drishyam franchise has always relied more on storytelling and suspense than star power alone.
Final Take
Akshaye Khanna’s exit from Drishyam 3 marks a notable shift in the franchise’s trajectory. While his presence added intellectual depth to the previous film, the third installment now has the opportunity to explore new conflicts and perspectives.
Whether this change strengthens or weakens Drishyam 3 will only become clear once the film hits theatres — but for now, it adds another layer of intrigue to one of Bollywood’s most anticipated thrillers.
