Prakash Raj Confirms Role in Drishyam 3, Says He Isn’t Taking Over Any Existing Character
Veteran actor Prakash Raj has confirmed that he is part of the upcoming Hindi thriller Drishyam 3, joining the cast of one of Bollywood’s most successful suspense franchises. The development comes amid widespread chatter about cast changes following a high-profile exit from the project.
Taking to social media, Prakash Raj shared his excitement about beginning work on the third instalment. In his message, he highlighted his enthusiasm for the story and praised the team behind the film, while also directly addressing speculation about his involvement. “I’ve started shooting for this engaging franchise Drishyam 3 in Hindi,” he wrote, noting that his role is an exciting one and that he believes audiences will enjoy it. Importantly, he added that he is not stepping into any existing character’s shoes, seeking to dispel rumours about a direct replacement.
The buzz around his casting followed the sudden departure of actor Akshaye Khanna, who was expected to return in a significant part after his appearance in Drishyam 2. Reports from late last year suggested that disagreements over creative decisions and terms led to Khanna’s decision to walk away from the film, sparking discussions across the industry and among fans.
Following Akshaye Khanna’s exit, the film’s makers brought in Jaideep Ahlawat, who is set to portray a character that replaces the original role in a fresh narrative form, according to production sources. The team has stressed that the storyline was adjusted to introduce new personalities while keeping the familiar tone and intrigue that the Drishyam series is known for.
Drishyam 3 continues the saga of Vijay Salgaonkar, played by Ajay Devgn, whose family has been at the centre of intense suspense and moral dilemmas since the first film in the franchise. Alongside Prakash Raj, the cast includes returning performers such as Tabu, Shriya Saran, Rajat Kapoor, Ishita Dutta, and Mrunal Jadhav, contributing to a mix of seasoned and dynamic talent.
Director Abhishek Pathak is back at the helm for this chapter, guiding the thriller that has steadily built a dedicated following over its previous two instalments. The creative team has reportedly been careful to maintain the series’ signature tension and emotional complexity while introducing fresh elements for longtime fans.
The film is set to be released in theatres worldwide on October 2, a date chosen to build excitement among audiences who have been eagerly anticipating the next twist in the Salgaonkar family’s story. With production now underway and Prakash Raj’s participation confirmed, anticipation for Drishyam 3 remains strong among thriller enthusiasts.
