Drishyam 3 Goes on Floors: Ajay Devgn and Team Head to Goa as Jaideep Ahlawat Joins the Cast
The much-anticipated third installment of the popular Drishyam franchise has officially gone into production, sending waves of excitement among cinema lovers across the country. Drishyam 3, starring Ajay Devgn, Tabu and Shriya Saran, has begun filming after weeks of speculation and behind-the-scenes developments. Adding to the buzz is the entry of acclaimed actor Jaideep Ahlawat, who has joined the cast at a crucial juncture of the shoot.
After completing initial portions in Mumbai, the makers have now locked Goa as the next major filming destination. According to production sources, the cast and crew will shift base to Goa from January 8, where an intense and narratively significant schedule will be filmed through the end of the month. The entire principal cast, including Shriya Saran and Rajat Kapoor, will be part of this schedule.
Ajay Devgn reprises his iconic role as Vijay Salgaonkar, a character that has become synonymous with sharp intelligence, emotional depth and moral complexity in Hindi cinema. With Drishyam 3 slated for an October 2, 2026 release, the production marks an important milestone for one of Bollywood’s most successful thriller franchises.
Key Moments
The journey of Drishyam 3 began quietly but gained momentum rapidly. The film went on floors recently in Mumbai, with controlled shoots aimed at maintaining secrecy around the plot. This approach mirrors the strategy adopted during Drishyam 2, which relied heavily on suspense and word-of-mouth appreciation.
A key development came just days before filming commenced, when Akshaye Khanna exited the project. Khanna, who played a pivotal role in Drishyam 2, was reportedly set to begin shooting but stepped away shortly before production started. Producer Kumar Mangat later confirmed that the actor had issues related to his look and remuneration, leading to his departure despite a signed agreement.
Soon after, Jaideep Ahlawat was finalized as his replacement. Known for his intense screen presence and critically acclaimed performances, Ahlawat’s casting has been welcomed by fans and trade analysts alike. His inclusion is expected to add a fresh layer of complexity to the narrative.
The shift to Goa marks another crucial phase. Sources indicate that the Goa schedule will feature some of the most intense and emotionally charged scenes of the film. The coastal setting is expected to play an important role in the story’s progression, much like the use of terrain and environment in the earlier films.
Reactions
The developments around Drishyam 3 have triggered strong reactions within the industry. Producer Kumar Mangat addressed Akshaye Khanna’s exit candidly, stating that the decision came after disagreements over appearance and fees, despite formalities being completed.
Director Abhishek Pathak also spoke openly about the situation in an interview with ETimes. He explained that Ajay Devgn had left the matter entirely to him and the production team. Pathak revealed that Khanna had signed the contract in November, with his look finalized, costumes in preparation and narration completed. According to him, the actor had even appreciated the story before walking out five days prior to the shoot.
Pathak further suggested that recent success may have influenced Khanna’s decision-making. He remarked that people around the actor may have encouraged him to seek projects centered entirely around him, which led to a breakdown in communication. While the comments sparked debate, the director maintained that the team chose to move forward rather than delay production.
Meanwhile, fans have expressed excitement over Jaideep Ahlawat stepping into the franchise. Social media discussions highlight curiosity about his character and how it will alter the dynamic established in the previous films. Ajay Devgn’s return as Vijay Salgaonkar continues to be the strongest emotional anchor for audiences.
Impact
The start of Drishyam 3 is significant not just for fans, but also for the Hindi film industry at large. The Drishyam franchise has proven that suspense thrillers, when rooted in strong writing and layered performances, can achieve both critical acclaim and box office success.
The first Drishyam introduced audiences to Vijay Salgaonkar, an ordinary man who outsmarts the system to protect his family. Drishyam 2 built on that legacy, exploring the psychological aftermath of his actions and raising the stakes further. Together, the films have established a rare continuity-driven thriller franchise in Bollywood.
Jaideep Ahlawat’s addition signals the makers’ intent to keep the third installment fresh and unpredictable. His reputation for portraying morally complex characters aligns well with the thematic fabric of Drishyam. The Goa shoot, scheduled during January, also suggests a large-scale, carefully mounted production that balances realism with cinematic intensity.
From a business perspective, Drishyam 3 is already positioned as one of the most awaited releases of 2026. The October 2 release date aligns with a festive window, increasing its commercial potential. For Ajay Devgn, the film reinforces his stronghold in the thriller genre, while for Abhishek Pathak, it is an opportunity to further cement his credibility as a director capable of handling high-stakes narratives.
Conclusion
As Drishyam 3 moves into its next phase of production in Goa, anticipation continues to build around how the story of Vijay Salgaonkar will unfold. With a solid cast led by Ajay Devgn, Tabu and Shriya Saran, and the powerful addition of Jaideep Ahlawat, the film promises to deepen the franchise’s legacy of suspense and emotional intensity.
Despite the turbulence caused by last-minute casting changes, the makers appear focused on delivering a compelling cinematic experience. If the previous installments are any indication, Drishyam 3 is set to be a carefully crafted thriller that keeps audiences guessing until the very end.
Final Thoughts from chronicle.thetrendingpeople
The journey of Drishyam 3 reflects how strong storytelling often survives challenges behind the camera. Casting changes, scheduling shifts and creative disagreements are part of filmmaking, but what ultimately matters is the clarity of vision. With Ajay Devgn once again stepping into Vijay Salgaonkar’s shoes and Jaideep Ahlawat bringing fresh intensity to the narrative, the film has all the elements required to raise the bar for Hindi thrillers. As the team heads to Goa for a crucial schedule, expectations are high that Drishyam 3 will not only live up to its legacy but also redefine it for a new generation of viewers