The upcoming thriller Drishyam 3 has recently made headlines due to a major casting change. On December 27, 2025, producer Kumar Mangat Pathak announced that popular actor Jaideep Ahlawat has come on board for the film after Akshaye Khanna abruptly opted out. According to reports, Akshaye Khanna exited the project following contractual disputes and it was further reported that the makers sent him a legal notice.
Kumar Mangat Pathak confirmed the replacement in an interview, lauding Jaideep Ahlawat’s dedication to the role and professional commitment while expressing strong confidence in the decision. He also added that he has collaborated with Jaideep in earlier films such as Aakrosh and that he believes in his performance. He emphasised that the Drishyam franchise does not revolve around a single actor and has grown into a strong standalone brand.
At first, many reports claimed that Jaideep Ahlawat would replace Akshaye Khanna’s character, IG Tarun Ahlawat, from Drishyam 2. However, director Abhishek Pathak cleared the confusion by saying:
“No, Jaideep is not replacing Akshaye. I’m writing a new character.”
The producer also supported this statement and explained that Jaideep will play a new and powerful character, possibly an investigator or antagonist. The new character will introduce a fresh investigative challenge, without directly continuing Akshaye Khanna’s character arc. This change is meant to keep the story fresh while still continuing the main plot smoothly.
Current Cast Updates in Drishyam 3:
The main cast of the film remains unchanged, which is good news for fans who love the original characters:
- Ajay Devgn returns as Vijay Salgaonkar.
- Tabu reprises her role as IG Meera Deshmukh.
- Shriya Saran and Rajat Kapoor return in recurring roles.
Jaideep Ahlawat, who is known for intense performances in Paatal Lok and Pathaan, has made it even more exciting. His intense and naturalistic acting style is expected to present a formidable challenge for Vijay Salgaonkar, raising the film’s suspense.
Release Date and Shooting Status:
Drishyam 3 is officially scheduled to release in cinemas on October 2, 2026, coinciding with Gandhi Jayanti. This date aligns with the film’s themes of justice, truth, and strategic thinking. The film entered production towards the end of 2025. The Mumbai schedule is already wrapped, and the team shifted to Goa for a month-long shoot from January 8, 2026.
Jaideep Ahlawat will join the film during the Goa shoot and is expected to play a key antagonist or investigator, though details remain under wraps. The film faced casting troubles earlier, and there were a few delays too after actor Akshaye Khanna walked out of the film, but the makers remain confident that the film will be completed on time. Panorama Studios is backing the film with a strong budget, ensuring smooth progress throughout production.
Also Read: Dhurandhar Movie: Upcoming Bollywood Espionage Thriller
Impact of Akshaye Khanna’s Exit:
His fans were very keen to see him back in another psychological battle with Vijay Salgaonkar. But he reportedly quit due to fee problems, creative differences (such as one about the wig he needed to wear for continuity) and scheduling clashes.
The producer alleged unprofessional conduct, while no official response has yet been issued by Akshaye Khanna. The matter reportedly led to legal action. The makers are reportedly seeking compensation for losses, including expenses related to sets and scheduling.
While some fans are disappointed by Akshaye Khanna’s exit, many others are excited about Jaideep Ahlawat’s fresh entry. His strong on-screen presence and powerful acting skills are expected to intensify the climax and raise the stakes for Vijay Salgaonkar. The Drishyam series is known for its clever twists, family drama and suspense. Drishyam 3 is among the most anticipated films in the franchise. The stakes have been significantly raised following this major casting change.
The climax is expected to feature another fierce showdown between Vijay Salgaonkar and the system. Drishyam 3 is set to hit theatres on October 2, 2026.