Jaideep Ahlawat in Drishyam 3? Director Abhishek Pathak sets the record straight
After Akshay Khanna’s departure, director Abhishek Pathak and producer Kumar Mangat Pathak have given clarification on the casting of Jaideep Ahlawat in Drishyam 3. The film is slated for release in October 2026 and Khanna is facing a legal dispute over his exit.
scene 3The latest installment of the popular thriller franchise, is scheduled to release in theaters worldwide on October 2, 2026. The film recently gained attention after actor Akshaye Khanna walked out of the project, leading to a change in the cast and the introduction of a new character. Director Abhishek Pathak has confirmed that Jaideep Ahlawat will be joining the group but will not be replacing Khanna’s previous role.
Abhishek Pathak addressed the speculations regarding Ahlawat’s casting, saying, “No, Jaideep is not replacing Akshay. I am writing a new character,” providing clarity on the changes within the cast and ensuring the continuity of the film.
Pathak detailed the circumstances surrounding Khanna’s departure, which occurred after contractual agreements were finalized. He said, “All this happened after the contract was signed in November. He left five days before the film was to go on floors. The look was locked, the costumes were being made, the narration was done and he liked the story. My film starts from where it ended. I could not see him in the courtroom in the afternoon and in the evening he came back with hair down. How is this possible? That was the point I explained and convinced him.”
Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak also commented on Ahlawat’s role, stating that the new addition is not a direct replacement of Khanna, but a fresh character. He said, “We have cast Jaideep Ahlawat. We have added a new character. He is doing it now. He will be doing what Akshay was doing, but he will be coming in a new form. We are introducing him in a very good way,” hinting at changes in the story to accommodate the change.
The situation has escalated into a legal dispute, with the producers reportedly sending a legal notice to Khanna to exit the film after he accepted the signing amount and committed to the dates of the project. The legal action demands compensation citing financial loss caused by his sudden return. Khanna has not yet publicly responded to the notice.
Ajay Devgan returns to play the lead role of Vijay Salgaonkar, a character known for his resourcefulness and commitment to his family. The original cast, including Tabu, Shriya Saran and Rajat Kapoor, are set to reprise their roles, maintaining continuity with the previous installments.
The filmmakers have suggested that the upcoming film will feature high-tension drama, as the story continues from where the previous film ended. The inclusion of Jaideep Ahlawat and the legit development has generated significant interest in the industry and audiences ahead of its release.
scene 3 On track for its theatrical release in October 2026, the creative team and cast are now moving ahead despite the changes and the legal matters involving Akshaye Khanna.