Ajay Devgn’s much-anticipated film Drishyam 3 has gone on floors and is scheduled to hit theatres on October 2, 2026. Soon after the makers announced the release date, the film has been making headlines for its casting developments. While Ajay Devgn will reprise his role as Vijay Salgaonkar, reports suggest that Akshaye Khanna has backed out of the project.
Jaideep Ahlawat joins Drishyam 3
According to a latest report by Pinkvilla, Jaideep Ahlawat has joined the cast of Drishyam 3. This will mark the first time that Ahlawat shares screen space with Ajay Devgn and Tabu.
Quoting a source, the publication stated, “Jaideep will begin shooting for Drishyam 3 in January 2026. He has been roped in for a pivotal and extremely exciting role that will add a new twist to the story.” However, it is still unclear whether Jaideep is replacing Akshaye Khanna or playing an entirely new character in the mystery thriller.
Tabu, meanwhile, will reprise her role as IG Meera Deshmukh and will continue her intense face-off with Ajay Devgn’s character.
Akshaye Khanna quits Drishyam 3?
According to a report by Bollywood Machine, Akshaye Khanna has reportedly exited the much-anticipated sequel due to a combination of monetary and creative differences with the makers. The actor is said to have demanded a substantial hike in remuneration following the phenomenal box office performance of Dhurandhar. In addition to financial concerns, he allegedly sought significant changes to his on-screen look for Drishyam 3. These demands reportedly led to disagreements, eventually prompting him to step away from the project.
These reports surfaced days after the makers officially announced Drishyam 3, confirming its October 2 release. The original ensemble cast—including Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, Rajat Kapoor, and other celebrated actors—is set to return for this edge-of-the-seat sequel. As per reports, the makers are also planning a simultaneous release of the Malayalam and Hindi versions to avoid spoilers.
About Malayalam Drishyam
Meanwhile, the makers of the original Drishyam franchise have wrapped the third instalment of the film. Directed and written by Jeethu Joseph, the film stars Mohanlal in the lead.
After the massive success of Drishyam and Drishyam 2, expectations around Drishyam 3 are naturally sky-high. Jeethu, however, remains grounded and focused on storytelling rather than spectacle.
“I don’t make Drishyam for its twists. The story has to grow organically,” he explains. “The second part took place six years after the first and showed how the family, the police, and the case evolved. In Drishyam 3, we continue exploring what happens to each of these characters as time passes. Georgekutty is getting older — is he as confident as before? That’s what I’m interested in.”
