Akshay Khanna News / Akshay Exits 'Drishyam 3' Despite 'Dhurandhar' Blockbuster Success: What Led to the Split?

Akshay Khanna, fresh off the success of 'Dhurandhar' where his 'Rahman Dacoit' role garnered immense praise, is reportedly out of 'Drishyam 3'. Disagreements over fees and demands for a significant on-screen look change are cited as reasons for his departure from the blockbuster franchise, surprising many after 'Dhurandhar' crossed 900 crores worldwide.

The Indian film industry is abuzz with a significant development concerning actor Akshay Khanna, while following his captivating portrayal of 'Rahman Dacoit' in the recently released Aditya Dhar-directed film 'Dhurandhar', Khanna has once again captured the attention of audiences and critics alike. His powerful performance and the depth he brought to the character have left fans mesmerized, making him a central topic of discussion. 'Dhurandhar' has achieved monumental success at the box office, surpassing the 900 crore mark globally, thus becoming the highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2025. Despite this resounding triumph, reports indicate that Akshay Khanna has been dropped from the highly anticipated blockbuster franchise, 'Drishyam 3', a revelation that has taken many by surprise.

The Phenomenal Success of 'Dhurandhar'

Akshay Khanna's latest cinematic venture, 'Dhurandhar', has proven to be an unprecedented box office phenomenon. The film has not only garnered an impressive 619 crores at the domestic box office but has also achieved a staggering worldwide collection exceeding 900 crores, while in this gripping spy thriller, Akshay Khanna essayed the pivotal role of 'Rahman Dacoit', the formidable ruler of Lyari. His nuanced performance in this character has earned him widespread acclaim from both audiences and critics, solidifying his position as a versatile actor.

The film also features a stellar ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Sara Arjun, Sanjay Dutt, Arjun Rampal, and R Madhavan, all of whom delivered compelling performances that contributed Notably to the film's overall success. 'Dhurandhar's' triumph has once again propelled Akshay Khanna into the limelight, marking a significant turning point in his illustrious career. In the wake of 'Dhurandhar's' immense success, while discussions were rife about Akshay Khanna's potential entry into other major projects like 'Border 2' and 'Ikka', reports of his departure from 'Drishyam 3' have sent shockwaves through the industry, while according to various media reports, Akshay Khanna has opted out of the Ajay Devgn-starrer 'Drishyam 3'.

The primary reason cited for this unexpected exit is a disagreement over remuneration, while sources suggest that Khanna had demanded a higher fee for his role in the film, which the makers were reportedly unwilling to meet. Plus, it has also been reported that Akshay Khanna had requested significant alterations to his on-screen look for 'Drishyam 3', a demand that may not have aligned with the vision of the film's producers. These two key factors are believed to have led to the actor's decision to part ways with the much-anticipated franchise.

Akshay Khanna's Role in the 'Drishyam' Franchise

Akshay Khanna played a crucial role as IGP Tarun Ahlawat in the hit crime mystery thriller 'Drishyam 2', while his character introduced a significant twist to the narrative and was widely appreciated by the audience for its intensity and impact. Khanna's powerful performance in 'Drishyam 2' added an extra layer of intrigue to. The story, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end. His return to the franchise was highly anticipated, especially after the success of 'Dhurandhar', but. It now appears that fans will have to witness a new face in 'Drishyam 3'. The news of his departure has also created a stir among 'Drishyam' franchise fans, who are. Eager to know who will replace him and what changes this will bring to the storyline.

Awaiting Official Confirmation from Makers

Despite the widespread reports circulating about Akshay Khanna's exit from 'Drishyam 3', there has been no official statement released by either Akshay Khanna or the film's production team regarding his departure, while this lack of official confirmation has created an atmosphere of uncertainty for both fans and the media. Typically, announcements concerning such major casting changes are made formally, but in this instance, silence has prevailed. Fans and industry insiders are eagerly awaiting an official statement from either the makers or Akshay Khanna himself to confirm the news and shed light on the complete truth behind his exit. Only an official confirmation will bring closure to this ongoing speculation.

'Drishyam 3' Release and Anticipation

The makers of the highly successful crime mystery franchise 'Drishyam' recently unveiled a. New promo for the film, simultaneously announcing the release date for 'Drishyam 3'. The 1-minute and 13-second promo features the resonant voice of Vijay Salgaonkar (Ajay Devgn), who, after a philosophical dialogue, declares, 'My family is above all truth, lies, right, and wrong for me. ' This dialogue encapsulates the core essence of the film, where Vijay is willing to go to any lengths to protect his family, while the third installment of the film, 'Drishyam 3', is scheduled to hit cinemas on October 2, 2026. Ajay Devgn's fans are already highly excited about this film and are eagerly awaiting its release. Despite Akshay Khanna's reported exit, the compelling storyline of 'Drishyam 3'. And Ajay Devgn's performance are sure to draw audiences to theaters.