The suspense surrounding the third installment of the blockbuster Drishyam franchise just got a major boost. Veteran actor Prakash Raj has officially joined the cast of Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam 3, confirming that he has already begun filming for the high-stakes crime thriller.
The announcement comes at a time of significant reshuffling for the project. Following the sudden exit of Akshaye Khanna—who played the relentless investigator in Drishyam 2—rumors swirled that Prakash Raj might be stepping into the same shoes. However, the actor took to social media to set the record straight, much to the intrigue of fans.
A “Scintillating” New Role
Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Prakash Raj shared his excitement about joining the “engaging franchise.” He wrote:
“Started shooting for this engaging franchise #Drishyam3 in Hindi. With a wonderful team and a scintillating role to play. I’m sure you will love it. (And yes, I’m not replacing anyone..)”
The clarification that he is “not replacing anyone” suggests that the makers have written a fresh, original character specifically for him, rather than recast the role previously held by Khanna. Sources close to the production indicate that while Raj is not playing a police officer this time, his character will be pivotal to the new challenges facing Vijay Salgaonkar.
The Cast Shuffle: What We Know
The road to Drishyam 3 has seen some behind-the-scenes drama. Reports indicate that Akshaye Khanna’s departure was linked to creative differences regarding his character’s appearance and fee negotiations. Following his exit, the production team, led by director Abhishek Pathak, moved quickly to strengthen the ensemble.
Mark Your Calendars
Fans of the franchise won’t have to wait much longer for the conclusion of this cat-and-mouse saga. The Hindi version of Drishyam 3 is strategically scheduled for a theatrical release on October 2, 2026—a date that holds deep symbolic meaning within the film’s “satsang” lore.
Meanwhile, the original Malayalam version starring Mohanlal is expected to hit screens earlier, in April 2026. With the addition of powerhouse performers like Prakash Raj and Jaideep Ahlawat, the Hindi sequel is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated cinematic events of next year. To know such latest updates tuned tellyboosters.com Thank you!
