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Drishyam 3 Moves Ahead After Akshaye Khanna Exit, Director Adds New Role for Jaideep Ahlawat

Production proceeds with a new role for Jaideep Ahlawat after creative differences with Akshaye Khanna.

Overview

  • Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak says a legal notice has been sent to Khanna and compensation will be sought after he quit despite an advance, a locked look, and paid costume work.
  • Director Abhishek Pathak says Khanna exited five days before the shoot, adding he halted talks after the actor stopped engaging.
  • The team cites continuity over hairstyle as the core dispute rather than pay, with reports of a ₹21 crore fee dismissed after terms had already been agreed.
  • Pathak clarifies Ahlawat is not a replacement for Khanna, as a new character is being written, and says Ajay Devgn left casting decisions to him.
  • The film stays on schedule with a month-long Goa shoot from January 8 and a planned theatrical release on October 2, 2026.