Akshaye Khanna Exits Drishyam 3 Over Fee Dispute After Dhurandhar

The Bollywood world is buzzing with the latest development involving Akshaye Khanna — one of Hindi cinema’s most respected actors. Reports emerging on December 24, 2025 suggest that Khanna has stepped away from the highly anticipated Drishyam 3 film. This has triggered widespread speculation about the reasons behind his exit, especially coming on the heels of his recent success in Dhurandhar. Let’s break down what’s going on, what’s confirmed, and what’s still uncertain.

Why Akshaye Khanna Is Making Headlines Again

From Dhurandhar Success to Drishyam 3 Exit

2025 has been a stellar year for Akshaye Khanna. His role as Rehman Dakait in Dhurandhar — the high-octane spy thriller — has connected strongly with audiences and critics alike. The film has delivered massive box office returns and resurgence in Khanna’s mainstream popularity.

However, just weeks after this success, news has surfaced that Khanna is no longer part of Drishyam 3 — the next instalment in the hit thriller franchise starring Ajay Devgn. Although the film’s release date has been announced for October 2, 2026, his reported exit has raised eyebrows.

What Reports Say: Fee and Creative Differences

Negotiations Hit a Roadblock

According to multiple entertainment sources, the primary reasons behind Akshaye Khanna’s exit from Drishyam 3 are:

• Remuneration disagreements: After the unprecedented success of Dhurandhar, it’s reported that Khanna requested a significant increase in his fee. These demands have not been met by the filmmakers.
• Creative differences: Beyond money, Khanna allegedly also wanted changes in his character’s look or screen presence, which didn’t align with the production team’s vision.

These combined issues reportedly led to negotiations stalling and the actor ultimately choosing to step away from the project.

No Official Confirmation Yet

At this stage, neither Akshaye Khanna nor the Drishyam 3 team has issued an official statement confirming his exit. All information currently available comes from media reports and insider sources. This means:

• Final casting changes may still happen if negotiations are resumed.
• The situation remains fluid until a formal announcement is made by the filmmakers or the actor’s representatives.

So while the reports are strong and widely circulated, they can’t yet be considered fully verified facts.

The Impact of Dhurandhar on Akshaye Khanna’s Career

A Resurgence in Stardom

For years, Akshaye Khanna has been known as one of Bollywood’s finest character actors — praised by critics and audiences for choosing impactful roles. His 2025 performances, particularly in Dhurandhar and Chhaava, have elevated his standing even further.

The success of Dhurandhar seems to be a pivotal moment in his career. Not only has it brought renewed attention, but it may also have increased his bargaining power in future projects — including Drishyam 3. This could explain why there are higher remuneration expectations at this stage.

What Drishyam 3 Means for the Franchise

A Big Film on the Horizon

Drishyam 3 follows two successful installments in one of Bollywood’s most admired thriller franchises. The series has consistently drawn audiences with its clever storytelling and gripping drama. The new film is already generating excitement with its slated October 2026 release date.

The departure of a prominent actor like Akshaye Khanna could influence casting dynamics, but the franchise itself remains strong thanks to its narrative legacy and loyal fanbase.

How Fans Are Reacting

The news of Akshaye Khanna’s possible exit has stirred mixed reactions across social platforms:

• Some fans support his decision to ask for better terms considering his recent achievements.
• Others express disappointment, especially if he was expected to reprise or expand a key role in Drishyam 3.
• There’s also widespread curiosity about who might take his place if talks don’t resume.

Overall, the engagement around this topic highlights how significant Khanna’s presence is perceived in the current Bollywood landscape.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Akshaye Khanna?

Beyond Drishyam 3

Even as the Drishyam 3 situation develops, Akshaye Khanna’s trajectory looks promising:

• His recent films have reinforced his reputation as a versatile and bankable performer.
• He continues to attract substantial roles that challenge him creatively.
• There’s strong anticipation around his upcoming projects, including potential pan-Indian or international collaborations.

Khanna’s choices now could define the next phase of his career — whether that means returning to Drishyam 3 under new terms, or exploring fresh and exciting roles elsewhere.

Final Thoughts

The current buzz around Akshaye Khanna’s exit from Drishyam 3 underscores how quickly dynamics can shift in Bollywood, especially when an actor hits a career high. While reports point to a fee dispute and creative differences as the key factors, official word is still awaited.

For fans and industry watchers alike, this story is a reminder of the complex negotiations that happen behind the scenes in filmmaking — and how success can dramatically alter an actor’s market value and leverage.

As this situation unfolds, audiences will be keenly watching for updates from Akshaye Khanna, the Drishyam 3 production team, and trusted entertainment news sources.

Also Read: Who Is Adi Ashok? Meet the New Zealand Spinner Named in ODI Squad vs India – Logic Matters