Jaideep Ahlawat in Drishyam 3 has become a major talking point following the actor’s casting in the upcoming film. Addressing comparisons with Akshaye Khanna, Jaideep clarified that he does not consider himself a replacement for anyone. He explained that his character has an entirely different journey and will form a new connection with Meera and the Salgaonkar family.
Casting news for Drishyam 3 has already been a hot topic on the internet. Akshaye Khanna, who had played IG Tarun Ahlawat in Drishyam 2, will not be seen in the upcoming movie, and Jaideep Ahlawat has entered the movie.
But Jaideep has clarified something very important in this regard.
Jaideep Ahlawat in Drishyam 3: Actor Clarifies He Is Not Replacing Akshaye Khanna
Speaking about the trailer release of Drishyam 3, Jaideep Ahlawat disclosed that after listening to the story, he felt that there was not even an ounce of feeling in him to get into the film replacing Akshaye Khanna.
Furthermore, Jaideep also stated that his character has a unique story, new introduction, and a unique relationship with the other characters. Also, he disclosed that he would not like to play his role under pressure of comparison.
Apart from that, the actor also added that he has an entirely different equation with Meera and the Salgaonkar family. Thus, his role will be completely different from Akshaye Khanna.
Why Is Jaideep Ahlawat Being Compared With Akshaye Khanna?
It becomes evident wherefrom the basis for comparison comes while talking about the casting of Drishyam 3. IG Tarun Ahlawat who was shown in Drishyam 2 was played by Akshaye Khanna, hence becoming a vital component of the investigation process for the Salgaonkars.
Following the exit of Akshaye Khanna from the third installation of the movie, Jaideep Ahlawat also entered the list of actors of the series. As the initial reports along with statements of the producer revealed that Jaideep would take over the role of Akshaye, there came up speculations.
However, later Director Abhishek Pathak made it clear that Jaideep will play not the role of Akshaye, but some completely new character.
The aforementioned difference is important while comparing the casting of Drishyam 3.
What Happened to Akshaye Khanna in Drishyam 3?
Akshaye Khanna’s departure became one of the most significant stories revolving around Drishyam 3 even before the movie came out.
Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak had earlier revealed that Akshaye Khanna was signed for the movie and that talks about his fees and looks had taken place. There were also reports of issues with the looks of the actor’s character, including the use of a wig.
The producer and director of the movie have presented different perspectives of the factors that contributed to the separation. According to Pathak, there had been several changes in regards to the fee and he later denied that the main reason for Khanna’s exit was the money. Abhishek Pathak stated that the business terms were finally settled before the signing of the agreement.
The director pointed out that continuity became an issue since the movie starts right where Drishyam 2 ends. It became a factor when discussing the character’s look.
Did Jaideep Ahlawat Actually Replace Akshaye Khanna?
The answer depends on whether you mean the actor or the character. Jaideep Ahlawat joined Drishyam 3 after Akshaye Khanna’s exit, but director Abhishek Pathak and Jaideep have said that Jaideep’s character is new rather than a replacement for Khanna’s Tarun Ahlawat.
| Question | Answer |
| Is Akshaye Khanna in Drishyam 3? | No, he exited the project. |
| Is Jaideep Ahlawat part of Drishyam 3? | Yes. |
| Is Jaideep playing Akshaye Khanna’s Tarun Ahlawat? | Director Abhishek Pathak says no. |
| Is Jaideep’s character new? | Yes, according to Jaideep and the director. |
| Will Jaideep’s character interact with the existing characters? | Yes, he has described a new relationship with Meera and the Salgaonkar family. |
| When will Drishyam 3 be released? | October 2, 2026. |
The distinction between replacing an actor and replacing a character is therefore central to understanding the casting change.
What Did Jaideep Ahlawat Say About His Character?
Jaideep seems to have stated that he has taken an independent approach towards playing the character rather than associating with the actor whom he took over from.
According to his statement, people can hope to see a character that will be introduced differently. The character is not going to replicate the relationship that was built between Tarun Ahlawat’s character and Meera and the Salgaonkar family in Drishyam 2.
This can help make Drishyam 3 more interesting.
Who Is in the Drishyam 3 Cast?
Drishyam 3 is directed by Abhishek Pathak and features several returning members of the franchise alongside new additions.
The principal cast includes:
- Ajay Devgn as Vijay Salgaonkar
- Tabu as Meera Deshmukh
- Shriya Saran in her returning role
- Rajat Kapoor in his returning role
- Jaideep Ahlawat in a new role
- Prakash Raj in a new role
The film is backed by Star Studio18 and Panorama Studios.
When Is Drishyam 3 Releasing?
The premiere of Drishyam 3 in the cinema is scheduled for October 2, 2026. This movie is going to be the third installment of the Hindi film franchise Drishyam, where the plot of this movie will be based on Vijay Salgaonkar and his family.
Having taken into account the cast of the third movie, including such actors as Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj, the third installment of this movie will be the continuation of the storyline with some conflict included.
Why Jaideep Ahlawat’s Entry Matters
The inclusion of Jaideep Ahlawat in this film holds great importance due to the fact that Drishyam is all about suspense, detective work and characterization conflicts.
More importantly, what he said shows that people shouldn’t look at him as “the new Akshaye Khanna“. The filmmakers have managed to create a different character with his very own storylines for himself.
This would help in giving Drishyam 3 an opportunity to present an independent story line in relation to the investigation process without the need of depending on the old character created in Drishyam 2.
Drishyam 3: What We Know So Far
Here is the current picture:
- Akshaye Khanna is no longer part of Drishyam 3.
- Jaideep Ahlawat has joined the film.
- Jaideep says his character is new rather than a replacement for Khanna’s character.
- Director Abhishek Pathak has also said that Jaideep is not replacing Akshaye’s character.
- Akshaye Khanna’s exit involved disagreements surrounding his remuneration and character look, although the filmmakers have disputed the idea that money alone caused the fallout.
- Ajay Devgn, Tabu and Shriya Saran are returning.
- Prakash Raj is also part of the new cast.
- Drishyam 3 is scheduled for theatrical release on October 2, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jaideep Ahlawat replacing Akshaye Khanna in Drishyam 3?
Jaideep Ahlawat joined Drishyam 3 after Akshaye Khanna exited the project. However, Jaideep and director Abhishek Pathak have said that Jaideep is playing a new character rather than taking over Khanna’s character, IG Tarun Ahlawat.
Why did Akshaye Khanna leave Drishyam 3?
Reports and statements from the filmmakers point to disagreements involving remuneration and the character’s appearance. Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak and director Abhishek Pathak have both disputed the suggestion that money alone was responsible for the exit.
Who will Jaideep Ahlawat play in Drishyam 3?
Jaideep Ahlawat is playing a new character created for Drishyam 3. The exact details of the character’s identity and full storyline have not been completely revealed publicly.
When will Drishyam 3 release?
Drishyam 3 is scheduled for a theatrical release on October 2, 2026
Is Ajay Devgn returning in Drishyam 3?
Yes. Ajay Devgn is returning as Vijay Salgaonkar, with Tabu and Shriya Saran also reprising their roles from the earlier films.
Is Drishyam 3 the final movie?
The film has been promoted as the third instalment of the Hindi franchise, and its reported title has been associated with the conclusion of the story. However, audiences should rely on official announcements for any definitive statement about the long-term future of the franchise.
Final Takeaway
The addition of Jaideep Ahlawat is among the key differences in Drishyam 3, however, labeling him as merely “Akshaye Khanna’s replacement” overlooks one aspect of the plotline. Although the casting of Jaideep Ahlawat was done after Khanna left the series, Jaideep Ahlawat himself, as well as director Abhishek Pathak, referred to him as an entirely new character.
Having Ajay Devgn, Tabu and Shriya Saran reprising their roles and Jaideep Ahlawat and Prakash Raj bringing fresh faces to the franchise, Drishyam 3 seems set to build on the franchise’s mystery than repeat itself.
