New Delhi: Ajay Devgn’s much-loved thriller franchise Drishyam is all set for a big twist in its third instalment. The new film, Drishyam 3, is reportedly going through a major casting change that has already started a buzz in the industry.
According to the sources of News9, Akshaye Khanna is no longer part of the film, and the makers have brought in powerful performer Jaideep Ahlawat to fill the gap. Though there is no official announcement yet, curiosity around the film has shot up.
Akshaye Khanna exits Drishyam 3
The third part of the Drishyam franchise is said to be undergoing a “significant casting shake-up”, with Akshaye Khanna exiting the project. Industry talk suggests that he has “stepped away from the project” after reported issues with the makers. So far, neither Akshaye nor the team of Drishyam 3 has given any official statement on his exit or the reasons behind it. However, Kumar Mangat, producer of the film, confirmed to News9 that Jaideep Ahlawat has replaced Akshaye Khanna and shooting of the film has begun ”
Jaideep Ahlawat steps in
Reports now claim that Jaideep Ahlawat has been “roped in” as Akshaye Khanna’s replacement in the Ajay Devgn-led thriller. Jaideep, who has earned appreciation for his performances in Pataal Lok Season 2 and The Family Man Season 3, has “been finalised to take his place.” Makers are reportedly keen to continue the franchise’s habit of adding “formidable new characters” with every instalment.
Akshaye’s recent success and disputes
Akshaye Khanna has been enjoying a strong comeback with “layered, grey characters” on the big screen. He was recently seen as Aurangzeb in Chhaava and then in Dhurandhar, which has reportedly performed exceptionally well at the box office and won him both critical acclaim and audience appreciation. Industry sources suggest “this renewed success may have prompted the actor to revise his remuneration,” which allegedly led to “differences” over fees and some “creative disagreements” with the Drishyam 3 team.
New character for Jaideep Ahlawat
In Drishyam 2, Akshaye Khanna played IG Tarun Ahlawat, a new character not present in the original film, who played a crucial role in elevating the narrative stakes. Now, it is believed that Jaideep’s character in Drishyam 3 is also likely to be introduced afresh, rather than being a direct continuation of Khanna’s role.” Given his reputation for intense, morally complex roles, the report says “expectations are high” about how Jaideep Ahlawat could “add a new dimension to the suspense drama,” making Drishyam 3 one of the most awaited sequels in the pipeline.