Bollywood is buzzing with back-to-back casting shakeups as Akshaye Khanna has reportedly exited Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam 3, just a day after news broke of Ranveer Singh stepping away from Don 3. The developments, emerging on December 23-24, 2025, highlight how post-success career recalibrations are reshaping major franchises, fueled by remuneration demands and creative choices following blockbuster runs like Dhurandhar.
Ranveer’s Don 3 Exit: Prioritizing Diversity
Reports from Pinkvilla and Mid-Day confirm Ranveer Singh has opted out of Farhan Akhtar’s Don 3 amid Dhurandhar’s phenomenal ₹580+ crore haul. Sources cite his desire to avoid back-to-back gangster roles and fast-track the zombie thriller Pralay with Jai Mehta. The move pushes Don 3’s January 2026 shoot, prompting a fresh hunt for the iconic anti-hero.
Akshaye’s Drishyam 3 Departure: Fee Hike and Creative Differences
Following closely, Akshaye Khanna—riding high on Dhurandhar’s acclaim for his Rehman Dakait role—has reportedly left Drishyam 3 over salary disagreements and requests for on-screen look changes. The actor, who played IG Tarun Ahlawat in Drishyam 2, sought a substantial hike post his 2025 successes (Chhaava and Dhurandhar). Makers, including Panorama Studios, remain silent, but the exit came days after the film’s October 2, 2026, date announcement notably omitted his name.
A Pattern of Post-Success Leverage
Both exits underscore a trend: actors leveraging recent hits for better terms and diverse roles. While Don 3 recalibrates casting (Kriti Sanon is rumored as the lead), Drishyam 3 proceeds with Ajay Devgn, Tabu, and Shriya Saran.
Fan Reactions: Shock and Speculation
Social media reflects surprise: “Dhurandhar effect—Ranveer and Akshaye walking out? Bollywood 2026 is loading differently!” Fans lament lost dynamics but praise strategic choices.
Franchises in Flux
These sequential exits signal evolving priorities in Bollywood—success breeds selectivity, reshaping iconic series amid creative and financial negotiations.
-By Manoj H