Updated on: Dec 29, 2025 03:30 pm IST
Jaideep Ahlawat replaced Akshaye Khanna in Drishyam 3. The film will feature Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran and Rajat Kapoor reprising their roles.
The announcement of Drishyam 3 has been overshadowed by the news of Akshaye Khanna walking out of the film days before the shoot was set to begin. Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak skewered the actor and shared that Jaideep Ahlawat is a better fit for the role. Amid the news of his departure, the makers have now moved on to their new schedule, which is set to take place in Goa next month.
Drishyam 3 shoot on track
According to the makers, the cast and crew will head to Goa for a month-long shoot starting from January 8. The schedule is expected to continue till the end of February. The entire cast will be part of the Goa schedule, with Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, and Rajat Kapoor returning for this edge-of-your-seat family thriller.
Drishyam stars Ajay Devgn as a man protecting his family from the cops after a murder takes place in his house. The first film also starred Shriya Saran and Ishita Dutta, while Tabu played the cop after him. Akshaye Khanna joined the cast of Drishyam 2 as another senior police officer who reopens the case. While the other cast will return for Drishyam 3, Akshaye won’t be a part of it.
Kumar Mangat Pathak said that Akshaye felt he deserved more money after the success of his recent film Dhurandhar. Meanwhile, the film’s director Abhishek Pathak has reacted to Akshaye’s departure and challenged him to attempt a solo film.
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Akshaye received immense praise for his performance as Rahman Dakait in Dhurandhar. The action spy thriller directed by Aditya Dhar and starring Ranveer Singh in the lead, has emerged as the biggest blockbuster of the year. Part 2 is set for release in theatres on March 19.
Meanwhile, Drishyam 3 is set for release on 2 October 2026. Presented by Star Studio18, the Panorama Studios production is directed by Abhishek Pathak and written by Abhishek Pathak, Aamil Keeyan Khan and Parveez Shaikh. It is produced by Alok Jain, Ajit Andhare, Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak.
