‘Drishyam 3’ – Great news for suspense-thriller fans—the trailer for *Drishyam The Conclusion* has created a stir on social media. Trouble is looming once again for Vijay Salgaonkar (played by Ajay Devgn), and this time, the old secret of ‘October 2nd’ appears to be haunting him again.
But the real twist is that Vijay is now up against a Crime Branch officer played by Jaideep Ahlawat. The moment Jaideep enters the trailer, it becomes clear: this battle won’t just be a clash of wits; it will be a high-stakes chess match between two heavyweights.
Jaideep breaks his silence: “I am not a replacement.”
At the trailer launch, when the media asked Jaideep if he felt any pressure stepping into Akshaye Khanna’s shoes, the actor clarified without hesitation:
“When I heard the script, I didn’t feel for a moment that my character was replacing Akshaye Sir’s. One character’s journey ends, and another is introduced. I feel no pressure; I have my own journey.”
It is worth noting that Akshaye Khanna played IG Tarun Ahlawat in *Drishyam 2*, and there was speculation that he would return for the third installment. However, news of his sudden exit took everyone by surprise.
Why did Akshaye Khanna leave the film?
According to media reports, Akshaye demanded a fee hike to ₹21 crore following the success of *Dhurandhar* and *Chhaava*. He also requested to wear a wig for his character. The makers did not agree to these demands; consequently, a deal could not be reached, and Akshaye opted out of the film. Was Akshaye Khanna’s fee ₹21 crore? – This claim has not been officially confirmed, but this is the information emerging from media sources.
Did Jaideep replace Akshaye? – No; the actor himself has clarified that his role is entirely new and has no connection to Akshaye’s character. Was the demand for the wig also a factor? – Yes, several reports mentioned this, though the makers did not issue an official statement regarding it.
The trailer craze and the magic of ‘October 2nd’
Apart from Jaideep, the trailer features a powerful entry by Prakash Raj, further heightening fan excitement. Interestingly, *Drishyam 3* has been announced for release on October 2, 2026—the very date that lies at the heart of the film’s story. On social media, the trailer is being hailed as a ‘blockbuster,’ and the pairing of Ajay Devgn and Jaideep Ahlawat is receiving immense appreciation.
So, are you ready?
The story may be familiar, but the challenges are new. Will Vijay Salgaonkar manage to strike a balance between the law and his family this time around? Or will Jaideep Ahlawat’s Crime Branch unearth his buried secret?