Akshaye Khanna, currently the toast of the town for his menacing performance as Rehman Dakait in the blockbuster Dhurandhar, has reportedly walked out of Ajay Devgn’s highly anticipated Drishyam 3. The reason? A massive fee hike that has left the makers stunned.
According to buzzing industry reports, Akshaye Khanna demanded a staggering ₹21 Crores to reprise his role as IG Tarun Ahlawat. For context, reports suggest he was paid approximately ₹2.5 Crores for Drishyam 2. That is nearly a 10x hike!
The 'Dhurandhar' Confidence
Akshaye’s demand stems from his newfound box office power. His latest film, Dhurandhar (starring Ranveer Singh), has rewritten history by crossing the ₹633 Crore mark in India, becoming the highest-grossing film of 2025.
Fans and critics alike have hailed his villainous turn as the film's USP, with his viral "FA9LA" entry step taking over social media. Riding this wave of success, the actor reportedly felt his market value had skyrocketed and refused to settle for less.
Creative Clashes: The "Wig" Debate
But money wasn’t the only issue. Insiders claim that "creative differences" also played a major role in the split.
Rumor has it that Akshaye wanted to drastically change his on-screen look for Drishyam 3, specifically requesting to wear a wig for the character. The makers, however, were not on board, arguing that since he appeared without one in Drishyam 2, a sudden change would break continuity and look jarring to the audience.
What’s Next for Drishyam 3?
With Akshaye reportedly out, the makers are now in a tough spot. Will they recast the role of the sharp-witted IG Tarun Ahlawat, or will they write the character out entirely?
Drishyam 3, directed by Abhishek Pathak and starring Ajay Devgn, Tabu, and Shriya Saran, is slated for a grand release on October 2, 2026.
While fans are disappointed that the electrifying face-off between Vijay Salgaonkar (Ajay) and Tarun Ahlawat (Akshaye) might not happen, one thing is certain: Akshaye Khanna knows his worth, and he isn’t backing down!
