Dhurandhar and the Reinvention of Akshaye Khanna: Stardom, Fees, and the Drishyam 3 Controversy

Dhurandhar and the Reinvention of Akshaye Khanna: Stardom, Fees, and the Drishyam 3 Controversy

The release of Dhurandhar marked a significant moment not just for Bollywood’s spy-thriller genre, but also for the career of actor Akshaye Khanna. Long regarded as one of Hindi cinema’s finest yet most understated performers, Khanna’s powerful role in the film has triggered a noticeable shift in his professional trajectory—bringing renewed stardom, a sharp rise in remuneration, and an unexpected controversy surrounding Drishyam 3.

Akshaye Khanna’s Impact in Dhurandhar

In Dhurandhar, Akshaye Khanna delivered a commanding performance as a cold, calculating antagonist. His portrayal stood out for its restraint, intelligence, and quiet menace—qualities that resonated strongly with both critics and audiences. Many reviews highlighted that his presence elevated the film’s tension and narrative depth, often matching or even overpowering the lead performances.

The role reaffirmed Khanna’s reputation as an actor who thrives in layered, morally complex characters rather than conventional heroism. Following Dhurandhar, social media discourse and critical commentary widely acknowledged him as one of the film’s biggest strengths.

Career Graph After Dhurandhar

Post Dhurandhar, Akshaye Khanna’s market value witnessed a sharp upward curve. Industry insiders suggest that filmmakers now see him as a “premium performer”—an actor whose presence adds credibility, gravitas, and audience interest to big-budget projects. This shift places him in a rare category: neither a traditional superstar nor a supporting actor, but a powerful scene-dominating performer whose roles often become the most memorable parts of a film.

This renewed demand has reportedly opened doors for more high-profile projects, including solo-driven narratives and strong antagonist roles in mainstream cinema.

Fee Hike and Industry Reaction

With rising demand came a significant hike in fees. Reports indicate that Akshaye Khanna began quoting around ₹20–21 crore for major projects following Dhurandhar. While this figure reflects his heightened stature and recent success, it also sparked debate within the industry—especially among producers operating within strict franchise budgets.

Many insiders view the fee hike as a natural outcome of performance-driven success, while others argue that such remuneration expectations could limit casting flexibility in ensemble films.

Exit from Drishyam 3 and Replacement

The fee issue reportedly came to a head during negotiations for Drishyam 3, where Akshaye Khanna was expected to reprise his role as IG Tarun Ahlawat, a character that had received strong appreciation in Drishyam 2. According to multiple reports, differences arose between the actor and the producers over remuneration and certain creative considerations.

As negotiations failed, Khanna exited the project, leading the makers to cast Jaideep Ahlawat as his replacement. The decision drew widespread attention, especially given the popularity of Khanna’s character in the franchise. The producers later confirmed the change, citing budgetary constraints and professional disagreements.

The situation escalated into a public controversy, with reports of legal notices and strong statements from the production side, making it one of the most discussed casting changes in recent Bollywood history.

What Lies Ahead

Despite the controversy, Dhurandhar has undeniably strengthened Akshaye Khanna’s standing as a formidable actor in contemporary Hindi cinema. Whether the fee dispute affects his future collaborations remains to be seen, but his post-Dhurandhar phase clearly signals a career resurgence driven by performance rather than publicity.

As Bollywood increasingly values strong writing and nuanced acting, Akshaye Khanna’s journey after Dhurandhar reflects both the rewards and challenges of artistic credibility translating into commercial value.