2 minutes of readingNew DelhiFebruary 10, 2026 22:49 IST
Ajay Devgn Drishyam 3 He recently made headlines after Akshaye Khanna quit the film just days before the shoot was to begin. Speculations about the actor’s exit were later confirmed by the film’s producer Kumar Mangat Pathak. Now, actor Prakash Raj has joined the cast of the third installment. Confirming the progress on social networks, he clarified that “it does not replace anyone.”
carrying his
Filming of this attractive franchise has begun. #Drishyam3 in Hindi. With a wonderful team and a brilliant role to play. I’m sure you’ll love it. ❤️❤️❤️(and yes, I’m not replacing anyone…) 😛😛😛
—Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) February 10, 2026
Akshaye Khanna’s exit from Drishyam 3
Prakash Raj’s entry in Drishyam 3 comes some time later Akshaye Khanna left the projectt. Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak said in an interview that Akshaye walked away from the film just a day before the release of Dhurandhar on December 5, 2025.
During an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Pathak said, “We had signed an agreement with Akshaye Khanna. His fee was locked after several renegotiations. He insisted that he would like to wear a wig. But (director) Abhishek Pathak convinced him that it would not be practical as it would result in continuity issues since Drishyam 3 is a sequel. He understood their point and agreed to drop that demand. However, the chamchas around him advised him that he would look smarter if he put on a wig. So, again he asked for the same. Abhishek relented and was even willing to discuss this point with him, but then informed us that he doesn’t want to be a part of the film at all.”
Drishyam 3 will be directed by Abhishek Pathak, who made his directorial debut with Drishyam 2. The film, also starring Shriya Saran and Tabu, will release on October 2, 2026.