|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Bollywood is buzzing once again, and this time the spotlight is firmly on Akshaye Khanna’s surprising exit from Drishyam 3, a decision that has set industry corridors whispering. What seemed like a smooth continuation of one of Hindi cinema’s most successful thriller franchises has reportedly hit a dramatic roadblock, and the reasons are anything but ordinary.
According to insider chatter, Akshaye Khanna, who won massive praise for his intense portrayal of IG Tarun Ahlawat in the Drishyam universe, allegedly stepped away from the third installment following creative disagreements and financial negotiations that failed to align. The most talked-about detail? A reported Rs 21 crore remuneration demand, coupled with resistance over a specific on-screen look requirement.
Sources suggest that the makers wanted Akshaye to retain a wig-based appearance to maintain continuity with his earlier character. However, the actor reportedly wasn’t convinced that the look fit his vision for the role’s evolution. What began as a cosmetic discussion soon turned into a larger creative stand-off.
Industry insiders say the situation escalated when fee negotiations entered the picture. While Akshaye is known for being selective rather than commercially aggressive, the reported fee reportedly made producers reconsider, especially given the franchise’s tightly structured budget and ensemble cast dynamics.
The fallout? Akshaye Khanna quietly exited the project, leaving fans stunned and filmmakers scrambling for alternatives. The makers have since moved ahead with Dhurandhar, another high-profile project featuring the actor, which only adds more intrigue to the timing of his Drishyam departure.
Fans, meanwhile, are divided. While some argue that Akshaye’s portrayal was integral to the franchise’s gripping tension, others believe Drishyam has always thrived on its storyline rather than individual performances. Still, many can’t help but imagine how the psychological face-off would have unfolded had Akshaye returned.
Neither the actor nor the production team has officially commented on the reported exit, adding fuel to the speculation. In true Bollywood fashion, silence has only amplified the buzz, turning whispers into headlines.
As Drishyam 3 moves forward without one of its most formidable antagonists, one thing is clear behind-the-scenes drama can sometimes be just as thrilling as what unfolds on screen.
