After Akshaye Khanna’s exit from Drishyam 3 the popular thriller franchise has found a powerful new addition. Actor Jaideep Ahlawat has officially joined the cast of the upcoming film stepping into a crucial role alongside Ajay Devgn and Tabu. His inclusion has added fresh intrigue to the third instalment which already carries high expectations among fans of the franchise. While the makers have remained tight-lipped about the details of Jaideep’s character his casting has sparked curiosity given his reputation for intense and layered performances. This marks his first association with the Drishyam universe and is expected to bring a new dynamic to the storyline. What do we know so far about Drishyam 3? According to sources close to the development filming for Drishyam 3 is scheduled to begin in January 2026. Jaideep Ahlawat is expected to start shooting from the same month and has reportedly been roped in for a pivotal role that introduces a fresh twist to the narrative. The makers are keen on elevating the suspense and psychological tension that have defined the franchise so far. Ajay Devgn returns as Vijay Salgaonkar the character that audiences have closely followed since the first film. Tabu will once again reprise her role as IG Meera Deshmukh continuing the intense cat-and-mouse equation that became one of the strongest elements of the earlier films. The exit of Akshaye Khanna Akshaye Khanna’s absence from the cast announcement did not go unnoticed. The actor who played IG Tarun Ahlawat in Drishyam 2 had received widespread praise for his performance. Reports suggest that his exit stemmed from remuneration and creative differences. According to industry sources Akshaye revised his fee following the success of his recent films Dhurandhar and Chhaava. With his rising demand he reportedly asked for Rs 21 crore for Drishyam 3. The makers felt the amount would significantly impact the film’s budget. The other request of Akshaye Khanna Apart from financial discussions creative disagreements further complicated matters. Reports claim Akshaye suggested a change in his on-screen appearance and expressed interest in wearing a wig. The production team however wanted to maintain visual continuity as the character appeared without a wig in Drishyam 2. With no middle ground reached Akshaye eventually decided to step away from the project.