Dhurandhar Domino Effect: Why Akshaye & Ranveer Are Ghosting Major Sequels

The Bollywood ecosystem is currently in a state of absolute spiralling. You’d think a ₹905 crore blockbuster like Dhurandhar would have everyone popping champagne, but instead, it’s triggered a massive "Main Character" recalibration. Akshaye Khanna and Ranveer Singh aren't just walking away; they are resetting their entire industry value because, frankly, the math finally started mathing for them.

The Akshaye Khanna Ultimatum: Pay Up or Pixelate Me Out

Akshaye Khanna walking out of Drishyam 3 is the definition of Villain Era energy, and honestly? We have to stan. After playing the IG in Dhurandhar, Akshaye realized he’s no longer the "reliable supporting guy" you can get for a discount. He reportedly asked for a massive fee hike and get this creative control over his look. He’s tired of the "generic cop" aesthetic and wants input on the vibe. The producers are hesitating, but they’re stuck in a mess. Replacing IG Tarun Ahlawat isn't like swapping a lightbulb; it’s a whole narrative rewrite. Akshaye is basically holding the franchise hostage until the bank transfer hits, and after Dhurandhar, his leverage is giving "Delhi Winter" cold and absolute.

Ranveer Singh’s Don 3 Exit: A Cultural Reset in the Making

Ranveer Singh leaving Don 3 is a different kind of fever dream. Everyone expected him to milk the Dhurandhar success by jumping into another spy thriller, but Ranveer said "No."

He’s ditching the suit and the "Don" legacy to do a zombie film called Prayal with Jai Mehta. It’s a strategic pivot to avoid the "same-actor-different-gun" fatigue. Plus, he’s out here flirting with South Indian directors like Atlee and Lokesh Kanagaraj. He knows where the real ₹1000 crore club lives now, and it’s not in a recycled Farhan Akhtar sequel. He’s choosing quality over momentum, and while the timeline is in shambles, it’s a massive brain move for his brand.

The "TL;DR" Snippet

The Dhurandhar Fallout Report

• The Catalyst: Dhurandhar (₹905 Cr Worldwide Gross)

• Akshaye Khanna Status: Exiting Drishyam 3 (Negotiations ongoing, demand for fee hike/creative input).

• Ranveer Singh Status: Exited Don 3 (Pivoting to Prayal & Pan-India collabs).

• Drishyam 3 Release Date: October 2, 2026.

• Don 3 Floor Date: Late January 2026 (Replacement search active).

• Controversy Level: High (Major franchise stability is at risk).

Fans Also Asked

Why did Akshaye Khanna leave Drishyam 3? Akshaye Khanna walked out due to disagreements over a significant pay increase and creative differences regarding his character's look. After his success in Dhurandhar, he is leveraging his market value for a better deal.

Is Ranveer Singh still playing the lead in Don 3? No, Ranveer Singh has reportedly exited Don 3 to avoid being typecast in back-to-back action-spy roles. He is moving toward a horror-zombie project and looking for Pan-India collaborations.

Will Drishyam 3 be cancelled without Akshaye Khanna? The film is not cancelled, but the producers may have to recast his role or rewrite parts of the script if negotiations fail. The release is still aimed for October 2026.

Who will replace Ranveer Singh in Don 3? Makers are currently scouting for a replacement with plans to start filming in late January 2026. No official name has been confirmed yet, but the search is urgent.