Shivani
According to recent reports, Akshaye Khanna has reportedly exited Drishyam 3 due to issues related to remuneration and creative differences. Meanwhile, the actor is enjoying the massive success of Dhurandhar, which has crossed the Rs. 600 crore milestone at the box office. Featuring an expansive ensemble cast, the high-octane film sees Akshaye essaying the pivotal role of Rehman Dakait. His layered, restrained performance has drawn widespread praise from audiences and critics alike. Despite sharing screen space with several big names, the suave actor successfully carved a distinct space for himself, leaving a lasting impression throughout the narrative and beyond cinemas.
Akshaye Khanna exits from the much-awaited film, Drishyam 3
According to reports, Akshaye Khanna sought a higher fee following the success of Dhurandhar, a move that reportedly upset the makers. Along with a remuneration hike, the actor also proposed certain changes to his on-screen appearance for Drishyam 3. These demands allegedly triggered disagreements with the team, and after the discussions turned sour, Akshaye is said to have exited the project amid creative differences and scheduling concerns during pre-production talks.
Akshaye Khanna’s fierce portrayal of ‘Rehman Dakait’ in Dhurandhar
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Aditya Dhar’s much-anticipated film Dhurandhar has been making headlines for the powerful performances delivered by its ensemble cast. While every character leaves an impact, Akshaye Khanna clearly stands out. He plays Rehman Dakait, a notorious gangster who is also a formidable politician and drug smuggler. Explaining the casting choice, director Mukesh Chhabra told Moneycontrol that Akshaye’s strong screen presence, aura, and distinctive charm added depth, credibility, and realism to the role, making the character menacing and layered in the film.
Many are calling 2025 Akshaye Khanna’s year, as he firmly re-established his stature in the industry with impactful roles in Dhurandhar and Chhava. In both films, his performances drew inspiration from real-life figures like Aurangzeb and Rehman Dakait, highlighting his craft, depth, restraint, and remarkable ability to authentically connect with complex characters onscreen while drawing attention across audiences and critics alike.
Akshaye Khanna’s Co-Star Remembers Slapping Him While Filming Dhurandhar
During a podcast with Abhishek Pali, Dhurandhar actor Aditya Uppal, who played Omar Haider, revealed he was initially hesitant because Akshaye Khanna was a senior actor and he had to slap him. Aditya said that during the first take, he slapped Akshaye lightly, after which Akshaye asked him to hit harder. Recalling the incident, Aditya explained exactly how the moment unfolded during filming of the scene for the movie.
“When I hit him for the first time, obviously I was a little taken aback, I thought of doing it softly. He shouldn’t get hurt for real because it was also a compact space. Van was not even moving, people were just shaking it during the shoot. Aditya sir asked me to go for it. In fact, Akshaye sir told me, ‘Tez se maaro, main gir nahi raha hu (Hit me properly, I am not falling)’. When he said that the second time, then I hit him properly and went all out.”
On the professional front, Akshaye Khanna was last seen in Dhurandhar, where his performance was widely appreciated by audiences and critics alike for his impactful role in the film.