Why Did Akshaye Khanna Walk Away from Drishyam 3?

The much-awaited thriller Drishyam 3 has hit a roadblock with actor Akshaye Khanna stepping away from the project. Khanna, who played the sharp cop Tarun Ahlawat in Drishyam 2, was expected to reprise his role in the sequel. However, negotiations fell apart due to differences over remuneration and creative choices.

Key Highlights / Notable Points:

• Fee Dispute: Khanna demanded ₹21 crore for his role, which the producers declined.
• Creative Request: He also insisted on wearing a wig for his character, a condition the makers refused.
• Impact on Casting: His exit leaves a gap in the ensemble cast, which includes Ajay Devgn, Tabu, and Shriya Saran.
• Franchise Popularity: Drishyam films are among Bollywood’s most successful thrillers, making the third installment highly anticipated.
• Production Challenges: The makers now face the task of reworking the script or finding a replacement for Khanna’s role.

Akshaye Khanna’s departure underscores the challenges of balancing star demands with production realities in big budget franchises. Despite the setback, Drishyam 3 remains one of the most awaited films, with fans eager to see how the story unfolds.

Sources: Times of India, Hindustan Times, Bollywood Hungama