The stakes for the Salgaonkar family just got even higher. In a move that has stunned the trade circuit, the makers of the legendary thriller franchise have officially announced a major casting change. Jaideep Ahlawat has joined the cast of Drishyam 3, stepping into the void left by Akshaye Khanna.
Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak confirmed the development today, putting an end to weeks of intense speculation. The transition marks a significant creative pivot for the third installment, which is currently one of the most anticipated films in Indian cinema. With principal photography already underway, the film is racing toward its iconic release date of October 2, 2026.
The news follows the monumental box-office explosion of Dhurandhar, where Akshaye Khanna’s performance as the antagonist became a national sensation. Following that success, rumours began circulating that negotiations for his return as IG Thomas Bastin in Drishyam 3 had hit a roadblock.
Insiders suggest that a combination of remuneration adjustments and creative differences led to the amicable parting of ways. With Khanna’s market value skyrocketing post-Dhurandhar, the production and the actor reportedly couldn’t reach a consensus on the commercial terms. Furthermore, creative disagreements regarding the trajectory of his character in the third part allegedly contributed to the decision.
While many expected a direct replacement for the character of IG Thomas Bastin, the makers are taking a more inventive route. Kumar Mangat Pathak hinted that Jaideep Ahlawat’s character will be introduced afresh.
Rather than a simple recasting of the same role, the writers have reportedly crafted a new high-ranking officer or investigative figure specifically tailored to Ahlawat’s unique acting style. This ensures that the legacy of Khanna’s performance remains untouched while allowing Ahlawat to bring his signature grit and “chameleon-like” intensity to the franchise.
Ahlawat, who gained global acclaim for his role as Hathi Ram Chaudhary in Paatal Lok, is known for portraying complex, morally grey characters. His inclusion adds a layer of intellectual ferocity that many believe will create a formidable challenge for Ajay Devgn’s Vijay Salgaonkar.
Despite the change in the investigative lead, the core pillars of the franchise remain intact. Ajay Devgn returns to lead the film, bringing back the calculated and protective Vijay Salgaonkar. Joining him are the franchise veterans:
- Tabu: Returning as the grieving yet vengeful Meera Deshmukh.
- Shriya Saran: Reprising her role as Nandini Salgaonkar.
- Ishita Dutta & Mrunal Jadhav: Returning as the Salgaonkar daughters.
Production Overview:
- Producers: Panorama Studios (Kumar Mangat Pathak & Abhishek Pathak).
- Lead Star: Ajay Devgn.
- New Addition: Jaideep Ahlawat.
- Filming Status: Principal photography has officially commenced.
In what has become a masterclass in brand-marketing, the makers have locked October 2, 2026, as the global release date. The date holds immense significance within the Drishyam lore, famously referenced as the day the Salgaonkar family “went to Panjim for a satsang.”
By aligning the release with the Gandhi Jayanti holiday, the makers ensure a massive four-day opening weekend. Furthermore, the October window provides the film a clear runway before the Diwali blockbusters arrive, allowing the “word-of-mouth” thriller to dominate the box office.
From a trade perspective, the inclusion of Jaideep Ahlawat is a strategic win. While Akshaye Khanna’s presence will be missed, Ahlawat’s current standing as a “critics’ darling” and a rising star in the Hindi heartland brings a different demographic of viewers.
The “clash of acting titans” between Ajay Devgn, Tabu, and Jaideep Ahlawat is expected to be the primary marketing hook. Search trends for “Drishyam 3 cast updates” and “Jaideep Ahlawat new movie” have already spiked following the announcement, signalling high audience engagement.
As the cameras roll and the mystery deepens, the question remains: Can Vijay Salgaonkar outsmart a new investigator who doesn’t play by the old rules?
