Akshaye Khanna's 'Drishyam 3' Exit Signals Evolving Power Dynamics in Bollywood

Akshaye Khanna's recent decision to step away from 'Drishyam 3,' despite his integral role in the second installment, underscores a shifting dynamic in Bollywood regarding actor compensation and creative control. Reports indicate that Khanna's exit stems from a combination of financial disagreements and differing creative visions with the film's production team, particularly in the wake of the commercial success of his film 'Dhurandhar'.

Khanna's performance in 'Dhurandhar' as Rehman Dakait garnered significant critical acclaim and contributed to the film's box office success. Reportedly, this success emboldened the actor to seek a salary increase for his role in 'Drishyam 3,' along with proposing alterations to his character's on-screen presentation. These requests apparently led to an impasse with the filmmakers, ultimately resulting in Khanna's departure from the project.

'Drishyam,' as a franchise, holds considerable weight in Bollywood. The first film, released in 2015, was a remake of the Malayalam film of the same name and achieved both critical and commercial success. Its sequel, 'Drishyam 2,' continued the narrative and further cemented the franchise's popularity. The films, starring Ajay Devgn, are known for their intricate plots and suspenseful storytelling, resonating with a broad audience. Akshaye Khanna's addition to 'Drishyam 2' added another layer of intrigue, with his character playing a crucial role in the unfolding narrative. His departure from the third film, therefore, represents a significant shift.

This situation reflects a broader trend in the entertainment industry, where established actors are increasingly leveraging their proven track records to negotiate more favorable terms. The success of a film often hinges on the star power and performance of its lead actors, giving them greater leverage in demanding higher salaries and more creative input. Khanna's stance can be viewed within this context, as he seeks to capitalize on his recent success and exert greater influence over his character's portrayal.

The outcome of this situation remains to be seen. While reports suggest ongoing negotiations between Khanna and the 'Drishyam 3' producers, his exit highlights the complexities of balancing creative vision with financial considerations in large-scale film productions. The resolution will likely set a precedent for future negotiations between actors and production houses in Bollywood, particularly within established franchises where the stakes are high and the potential for profit is significant. 'Drishyam 3,' directed by Abhishek Pathak and headlined by Ajay Devgn, is currently slated for release on October 2, 2026.

Editor’s note: This article was independently written by the Scoopliner Editorial Team using publicly available information.