Jaideep Ahlawat has quietly stepped into Drishyam 3, replacing Akshaye Khanna in the upcoming Ajay Devgn starrer, and it has taken many by surprise. Akshaye’s casting had earlier generated a lot of interest, especially given how strongly the franchise relies on its supporting characters to build tension. But with Jaideep now joining the film, the mood around the project has shifted in a different and equally intriguing direction.
Jaideep Ahlawat is not someone who blends into the background. His performances usually carry weight, whether it is through intensity, restraint, or sheer screen presence. So the idea of him entering the world of Drishyam immediately adds a new layer of unpredictability. The franchise has always thrived on psychological pressure rather than loud drama, and Jaideep fits into that space naturally.
There has been no official word on why Akshaye Khanna is no longer part of the film, and the makers are keeping details under wraps. What is clear, though, is that this change is not being seen as a downgrade in any way. If anything, it feels like a shift in tone. Akshaye brings quiet elegance and subtle menace. Jaideep brings rawness, edge, and emotional gravity. That alone changes the texture of what Drishyam 3 might feel like.
Ajay Devgn returns as Vijay Salgaonkar, a character that audiences are deeply attached to after two films. The strength of this franchise has always been how its characters feel real, flawed, and human rather than heroic. Adding someone like Jaideep Ahlawat into that ecosystem suggests that the third film may lean even deeper into psychological conflict and moral ambiguity.
Nothing about Jaideep’s role has been revealed yet, but knowing his track record, it is unlikely to be a simple part. He tends to choose characters that carry emotional weight or inner conflict, and that makes his entry into Drishyam 3 genuinely exciting rather than just newsworthy.
With this casting change, Drishyam 3 suddenly feels less like a routine sequel and more like a film that is willing to take risks again. And that, for a franchise built on suspense and surprises, feels exactly right.