Actor Akshaye Khanna, riding high on the commercial and critical response to Dhurandhar, has reportedly stepped away from Drishyam 3, the upcoming instalment of the popular crime thriller franchise headlined by Ajay Devgn and Tabu.
According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, the actor’s exit was triggered by a disagreement over remuneration rather than creative differences. Sources quoted by the publication claim that Khanna sought a fee of ₹21 crore for Drishyam 3 following the surge in his market value after Dhurandhar.
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Khanna’s portrayal of Rehman Baloch in Aditya Dhar’s espionage thriller has gained a huge attention, with his dialogue delivery and on-screen presence becoming a major hype among audiences. Industry insiders say the response to the film significantly boosted his presence ahead of negotiations for future projects.
Negotiations failed to reach common ground
A source cited in the report stated that Khanna revised his fee after recognising the renewed demand for his performances. However, the producers of Drishyam 3 were reportedly unwilling to meet the figure, citing budgetary constraints and the overall scale of the film. Discussions between both sides failed to result in a compromise, following which the actor chose to exit the project.
The report adds that the decision was taken amicably, with Khanna wishing the makers well before stepping away. Another point of contention, according to the same source, involved the actor’s request to wear a wig in the film, something the production team was reportedly hesitant about, given his appearance without one in Drishyam 2.
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As of now, neither Khanna nor the film’s producers have issued an official statement confirming the development.
The report also notes that similar industry reshuffles may be underway elsewhere. Khanna’s Dhurandhar co-star Ranveer Singh is reportedly no longer attached to Don 3, though this development, too, awaits formal confirmation.
