December 24, 2025: Akshaye Khanna has stepped away from Drishyam 3, triggering fresh buzz around the much-anticipated sequel just days after its theatrical release date was unveiled. The actor’s sudden exit, confirmed by industry sources, comes at a crucial stage for the franchise, which is gearing up for its next chapter with an October 2, 2026 release.
Sources close to the production said the actor’s departure was linked to remuneration-related differences. The makers have not issued an official statement on the exit so far.
Akshay Khanna joined the Drishyam franchise with Drishyam 2, which released in 2022. He played IG Tarun Ahlawat, a sharp and determined officer who steps into the narrative after the character earlier portrayed by Tabu. His performance added a new layer of tension to the franchise’s investigative storyline.
Akshaye Khanna Walks Out of Drishyam 3 Shortly After Release Date Announcement
The exit from Drishyam 3 comes at a time when Akshaye Khanna is enjoying a strong run at the box office. In 2025, he delivered back-to-back successes with Chhaava and Dhurandhar, both of which emerged as the highest-grossing Indian films of the year.
Khanna opened the year with Chhaava, portraying Mughal emperor Aurangzeb opposite Vicky Kaushal’s Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. He followed it up with Dhurandhar, where he essayed the role of Rehman Dakait, inspired by the real-life Lyari gangster. His appearance and dance sequence in the song “FA9LA” from Dhurandhar gained wide traction online and continues to trend across social media platforms.
Looking ahead, Akshaye Khanna is set to make his Telugu cinema debut with Mahakali. In the upcoming superhero film, he will play Asuraguru Shukracharya. The project is written by Prasanth Varma of Hanuman fame and directed by Puja Aparna Kolluru, with Bhoomi Shetty cast as Goddess Kali.