Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam 3: The Conclusion has been making headlines for its impressive box-office performance and the unexpected developments that took place behind the scenes. The film reportedly collected Rs 560.02 crore worldwide within 20 days of its theatrical release, emerging as one of the major Hindi film successes of 2026. Amid the film’s success, actress Ishita Dutta, who plays a pivotal role in the franchise, has opened up about Akshaye Khanna’s exit from the project and the challenges the makers faced while moving forward with the film.
In a recent conversation with SCREEN, Ishita reflected on the circumstances surrounding Akshaye’s departure and praised the team for handling the situation. The actress revealed that she did not learn about his exit immediately and only became aware of the development after shooting had already started. According to her, the unexpected change must have placed considerable pressure on the filmmakers, who had spent years developing the story.
Ishita Dutta reveals she learned about Akshaye Khanna’s exit after shooting began
Speaking about the situation, Ishita explained that the team was preparing to begin filming when Akshaye decided to leave the project. However, she came to know about the development much later, by which time the production was already underway.
“We were supposed to start filming when Akshaye Khanna exited the project. I got to know about it much later. We had started shooting by then. I am sure it must have been very tough on the team,” she said.
The actress acknowledged that losing an important cast member at such a crucial stage could create several complications. A film requires careful coordination between its actors, director, writers and production crew, and a significant casting change can affect the story, character dynamics and shooting schedule.
For the makers of Drishyam 3, the challenge was particularly significant because the film is part of an established thriller franchise with an existing storyline and characters familiar to audiences. Making changes after production had begun would have required considerable effort and quick decisions.
Ishita also pointed out that the team had worked on the script for more than two years. Having invested so much time in developing the story, the filmmakers were faced with the difficult task of adjusting their plans within a short period.
‘To change the entire script in those few days must have been very difficult’
Praising the makers for their efforts, Ishita highlighted how difficult it must have been to make changes to a project that had already undergone extensive preparation.
“They worked on the script for more than two years, and we still went on the floors at the same time. To change the entire script in those few days must have been very difficult. Kudos to the team for managing it,” she added.
Her comments offer a glimpse into the difficulties that can arise during film production, particularly when a major change happens close to the shooting schedule. Reworking a script is not simply about changing a few scenes. Depending on the circumstances, it can also involve revisiting character motivations, rewriting dialogues and adjusting the relationships that drive the story.
The makers also had to consider the practical challenges of continuing production, as postponing a large film can affect the schedules of several actors and crew members. Director Abhishek Pathak has previously spoken about the pressure of Akshaye’s last-minute exit and the need to keep the production moving. The filmmaker explained that the team had to find a solution quickly rather than abandon its existing shooting plans. <Cite refs={[“turn652017search1”]}/>
Despite these challenges, Ishita credited the team for finding a way forward. Her remarks suggest that the cast and crew remained focused on completing the film, even as the makers navigated an unexpected change during production.
Ishita Dutta praises Jaideep Ahlawat
Ishita also expressed her admiration for Jaideep Ahlawat, who joined the film after Akshaye’s departure. Speaking about the actor’s involvement, she said, “Now I cannot imagine anyone else apart from Jaideep, sir, in that role.”
Her words reflect the confidence she has in Jaideep and his contribution to the film. Known for his powerful performances and ability to portray complex characters, the actor brings considerable experience to a franchise built around suspense, investigation and tense confrontations.
Jaideep’s association with Drishyam 3 attracted attention because audiences were already familiar with Akshaye Khanna’s role in the earlier instalment. This naturally led to curiosity about how the latest film would handle the change and what Jaideep would bring to the story.
However, the makers and Jaideep have clarified that his character is a new addition rather than a direct replacement for Akshaye’s character. The script was reworked, allowing Jaideep to develop a distinct role and a separate journey within the film’s narrative. <Cite refs={[“turn652017search4”]}/>
This distinction is important because the franchise’s appeal lies not only in its central mystery but also in the relationships and investigative twists that keep viewers guessing. Introducing a new character offers the filmmakers an opportunity to expand the story while maintaining the suspense that audiences expect from the series.
Drishyam 3 continues its strong box-office run
The film’s reported worldwide collection of Rs 560.02 crore within 20 days highlights the commercial success of the latest chapter in the franchise. Its performance has kept the film in the spotlight, with audiences continuing to discuss its story, performances and the changes made during production. <Cite refs={[“turn652017news6″,”turn652017search3”]}/>
The Drishyam franchise has built its reputation around suspense, unexpected revelations and the question of how far a person will go to protect their family. Ajay Devgn’s portrayal of Vijay Salgaonkar remains central to that appeal, while the supporting cast contributes to the film’s web of secrets and investigations.
Ishita Dutta’s comments add another dimension to the conversation surrounding the film. While audiences see the final product on screen, her account highlights the uncertainty and teamwork that can exist behind the scenes when a production faces an unexpected obstacle.
For Ishita, the experience also appears to have reinforced her appreciation for the people who worked to keep the project on track. By acknowledging the difficulty of rewriting the script and praising Jaideep Ahlawat’s involvement, she has highlighted the collective effort involved in bringing Drishyam 3 to audiences.
With its reported box-office success and the interest surrounding its behind-the-scenes developments, Drishyam 3: The Conclusion continues to generate discussion. Ishita’s revelation about Akshaye Khanna’s exit offers fans a closer look at the challenges faced by the team and the effort that went into ensuring the film could move forward.
