Fee hike trouble? Akshaye Khanna drops out of major film: Report

Mumbai: Bollywood actor Akshaye Khanna has finally received the kind of stardom many believe he always deserved, thanks to the massive success of Dhurandhar, where he played the powerful character of Rehman Dakait. From his viral entry track FA9LA to his gripping performance throughout the film, Akshaye emerged as one of the biggest highlights, winning praise from both fans and critics.

For years, Akshaye Khanna was often described as an underrated performer, admired for his craft but rarely celebrated at the box office. Dhurandhar has changed that narrative in a big way. Social media has been flooded with clips of his scenes, fan-made edits, and discussions praising his screen presence, dialogue delivery, and ability to dominate scenes without relying on loud theatrics. Many believe this film marks a defining turning point in his career.

With Dhurandhar showing no signs of slowing down at the box office and reportedly crossing Rs 900 crore, curiosity around Akshaye Khanna’s next project has been growing. Amid this excitement, a major update has now surfaced, suggesting that the actor may have walked away from a big Bollywood film.

Industry insiders suggest that the success of Dhurandhar has significantly altered Akshaye Khanna’s standing within the industry. Once known for carefully choosing roles over commercial visibility, the actor is now reportedly being approached for larger, more mainstream projects. This renewed demand has naturally brought discussions around remuneration, creative control, and long-term career positioning into sharper focus.

Akshaye Khanna quits Drishyam 3?

Following the renewed demand after Dhurandhar, Akshaye Khanna has reportedly revised his remuneration. This fee hike is said to have impacted one of the most awaited films currently in the works which is Drishyam 3. For the unversed, Akshaye played a key role in Drishyam 2, the Hindi adaptation of the popular Malayalam thriller franchise led by Ajay Devgn and Tabu, and his character added a crucial layer to the sequel’s narrative.

His portrayal in Drishyam 2 was widely appreciated for its restraint and intelligence, making his character one of the most memorable additions to the franchise. Fans were particularly eager to see how his role would evolve in the third installment, which has been in development for some time. News of his possible exit has therefore come as a surprise to many loyal followers of the series.

According to latest reports, the makers of Drishyam 3 were not prepared to meet Akshaye Khanna’s revised fee demands. The report also claims that apart from financial negotiations, creative differences between the actor and the makers may have contributed to his reported decision to step away from the project.

While neither the actor nor the production team has issued an official statement, such situations are not uncommon in Bollywood, especially when an actor’s market value rises sharply after a major success. Creative differences, too, often play a decisive role, particularly for actors like Akshaye Khanna who are known to be deeply involved in character development and narrative depth.

Reports suggest that Akshaye Khanna earned around Rs 2.5 crore for Drishyam 2 and is now believed to be seeking a higher fee.

With the industry evolving and audiences increasingly valuing strong performances over star personas, actors like Akshaye Khanna are finding themselves in a stronger negotiating position. His recent success has reinforced the idea that consistent talent, patience, and smart role selection can eventually lead to well-deserved recognition.

Drishyam 3 will feature Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran and Ishita Dutta in key roles. As fans await an official confirmation, all eyes remain on whether Akshaye Khanna will return to the franchise that played a pivotal role in his career.

Regardless of the outcome, Akshaye Khanna’s journey serves as a reminder that longevity in Bollywood is built on substance. Whether he returns to Drishyam 3 or chooses a different path, his current phase suggests that the actor is finally enjoying the spotlight on his own terms.

Tags: Akshaye Khanna, Bollywood, Bollywood actor, Dhurandhar, Drishyam 3