Bollywood actor Akshaye Khanna recently grabbed headlines for his unexpected exit from the highly anticipated film Drishyam 3, yet he’s maintaining cordial ties with the industry as evidenced by a friendly selfie with director Puja Kolluru on the set of Mahakali — a new project in which the seasoned actor is involved while navigating changes in his film slate.
The image, shared by Khanna on social media, shows him smiling alongside Kolluru against the backdrop of a film set, suggesting that despite professional changes, there is mutual respect and camaraderie between the two. Fans and industry insiders are interpreting the moment as a soft affirmation that Akshaye’s decision regarding Drishyam 3 was amicable and not a fallout.
Akshaye Khanna and Drishyam 3: What Happened?
Akshaye Khanna had been widely expected to be part of the third installment in the hugely successful Drishyam franchise, which stars Ajay Devgn in a reprise of his role as Vijay Salgaonkar. The previous two films in the series — Drishyam (2015) and Drishyam 2 (2022) — were critically acclaimed and commercially successful, with Khanna appearing in Drishyam 2 to positive response for his role opposite Devgn.
However, just as shooting preparations for Drishyam 3 were underway, reports surfaced that Khanna would not be part of the upcoming film. This led to speculation among fans and media about the reason for his exit. Initial reports suggested scheduling issues, with Khanna engaged in other projects that made it difficult for him to commit to Drishyam 3’s timetable.
Industry sources indicated that the change was not rooted in creative differences or conflict with the makers; rather, it was a matter of pragmatic scheduling and priority management as Khanna balanced multiple commitments. The amicable social exchange on the Mahakali set reinforces that narrative.
The Mahakali Set Selfie: Good Vibes, Big Signals
The selfie posted by Khanna — seen smiling alongside director Puja Kolluru — comes from the Mahakali set, a film that has been gathering interest for its ensemble cast and dramatic storyline. While details about Mahakali have been kept relatively under wraps, the presence of Khanna and Kolluru together has given fans one of the earliest visual confirmations of their professional collaboration in a positive light.
In the caption, Khanna didn’t directly reference Drishyam 3’s developments but instead expressed gratitude for his time on the set. The exchange has been widely shared by entertainment portals and fans alike — many of whom took solace in seeing a veteran actor in good spirits amid the earlier buzz about his film choices.
Industry Reaction and Fan Response
Reaction from the film fraternity has largely been supportive. Many actors and filmmakers have commented on the post, praising Khanna’s body of work and wishing him well on Mahakali. A handful of collaborators also indicated that his professionalism and screen presence make him a valuable asset to any project.
On social media, fan pages have highlighted the image as a positive moment in a time that was filled with uncertainty for fans of the Drishyam franchise. Comments range from praise for Khanna’s versatility to excitement about seeing him in what will likely be another substantial role.
What This Means for Drishyam 3
Though Akshaye Khanna won’t be seen in Drishyam 3, the franchise is proceeding with its ensemble led by Ajay Devgn and backed by a strong supporting cast. The Drishyam films are known for their gripping narratives and tight storytelling, and the makers have reportedly rearranged the character landscape to adapt to Khanna’s departure.
Producers and writers are said to be reworking certain sequences to maintain narrative coherence and balance emotional weight across characters. This kind of reshuffle is not uncommon in large film franchises when an actor becomes unavailable due to scheduling conflicts.
Director Nishikant Kamat (for the first Drishyam) and subsequent creators have historically maintained creative focus on story integrity, and it appears the team is confident that Drishyam 3 will retain the franchise’s hallmark suspense and depth even with the altered cast dynamics.
Akshaye Khanna’s Upcoming Projects and Career Arc
Akshaye Khanna has been selective about his roles in the past few years, choosing parts more for their character depth and narrative interest than for screen time or commercial visibility alone. Beyond Mahakali, industry reports suggest he has multiple scripts in hand across genres, including thriller, drama and auteur-driven cinema.
Khanna’s recent performances — including his work in Dhurandhar opposite Ranveer Singh — have earned critical praise, affirming his reputation as a performer who brings nuance to layered characters. His decisions about role selection reflect a focus on quality over quantity, even if it means skipping big franchises temporarily.
How Fans Are Reconciling the Change
Fans of Drishyam 2 were naturally disappointed to learn that Khanna wouldn’t reprise his role for part three. The character was a compelling presence in the story, and many saw his performance as pivotal to the film’s narrative tension.
However, the positive optics of the Mahakali selfie have helped ease some concerns. Many on social media have pointed out that the actor’s exit doesn’t necessarily diminish Drishyam 3’s potential, and instead reflects the reality of modern cinema — where actors juggle multiple offers and strategic career moves.
Some fans are even taking Mahakali as a chance to see Khanna in a fresh avatar, rather than as a substitute or consolation for Drishyam 3. This sentiment underscores how audiences appreciate an actor’s broader body of work, not just a specific franchise.
Industry Takeaway: Flexibility and Mutual Respect
The way this situation has unfolded sends a clear message about professionalism and mutual respect in the film industry. Despite initial excitement and anticipation around Khanna’s role in Drishyam 3, both sides have handled the change — and the subsequent public reaction — with measured calm and dignity.
The warm interactions with director Puja Kolluru on Mahakali suggest that actors and filmmakers are increasingly navigating busy schedules by staying open to alternative collaborations rather than retreating into controversy. This can foster a more collaborative culture in an industry that often faces tension over casting changes.
What’s Next for Drishyam Fans and Akshaye Khanna Followers
For fans of Drishyam, the anticipation for the third chapter remains high, even with the adjusted cast. The franchise has a strong track record of narrative grip, and audiences trust that Drishyam 3 will deliver the suspense and emotional payoff expected from this beloved series.
At the same time, Akshaye Khanna’s growing portfolio — highlighted by projects like Mahakali and other announced roles — keeps his fan base engaged with new work that broadens his artistic footprint. His ongoing screen presence ensures that while Drishyam 3 will be different, it won’t be the last exciting role audiences see from him.
Summary
Amid confirmed reports of his departure from Drishyam 3 due to scheduling and career choices, Akshaye Khanna shared a warm selfie with director Puja Kolluru on the Mahakali set, signalling professional respect and positive collaboration on his current project. The news reflects a larger industry trend of actors balancing multiple commitments while preserving goodwill with directors and fans alike.
Though Khanna won’t be part of Drishyam 3, the franchise remains poised for success with the main ensemble, and his upcoming roles continue to keep audiences eager for fresh performances from the versatile actor.
