Akshaye Khanna In Drishyam 3 To Ranveer Singh In Don 3, Actors Who Quit Or Were Replaced In Big Movies

Drishyam 3 director Abhishek Pathak recently opened up about Akshaye Khanna leaving the film just days before shooting began. However, this is not the first time an actor has exited a major project. Several Bollywood stars have either walked out or been replaced at the last moment.

From Akshaye Khanna, Ranveer Singh and Kareena Kapoor Khan, several actors have faced major casting changes over the years. Here’s a look at some notable instances when stars exited big movies or were replaced after being linked to them.

Akshaye Khanna – Drishyam 3

Akshaye Khanna was set to be part of Drishyam 3. However, the actor reportedly walked out of the film shortly before the shoot was scheduled to begin.

Director Abhishek Pathak and producer Kumar Mangat Pathak revealed that Akshaye had made a last-minute demand to wear a wig. The filmmakers also suggested that outside influences and changing demands played a role in his exit.

The actor left around five to seven days before filming was scheduled to start. Jaideep Ahlawat was then brought in for the role.

Pathak recently spoke about the setback in an interview with Hindustan Times. He said the team was disappointed but did not panic. "I won’t say panic, but we were not happy with the whole idea. I thought, 'Ye kya tareeka hua'."

The director also recalled how Jaideep came on board within days. "He was kind of replacing a character that had been liked by the audience. I called him, and he asked me, 'Casting change or character change?' I told him I am changing the character. Then, he read it and found it fun. All that happened within 5-6 days."

Abhishek Pathak said stopping the shoot was not an option. More than 200 people were dependent on the project for work. The sets were already ready and the cast and crew had committed their dates.

Ranveer Singh – Don 3

Ranveer Singh was set to take over the iconic Don role in Farhan Akhtar’s Don 3. However, he exited the project in December 2025, shortly before filming was expected to begin.

His departure was reportedly linked to creative differences and concerns around the script. The exit also led to a reported dispute over pre-production costs, with claims of a ₹45 crore compensation demand involving Excel Entertainment.

The development marked a major change for the franchise, which had earlier announced Ranveer as the new face of Don.

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Kareena Kapoor Khan – Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai

Kareena Kapoor Khan was initially signed opposite Hrithik Roshan in Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai. The film marked Hrithik’s debut and was directed by his father, Rakesh Roshan.

However, Kareena reportedly left the project following creative differences between her mother Babita and Rakesh Roshan. Ameesha Patel was subsequently cast opposite Hrithik.

The film went on to become one of the biggest successes of 2000 and established Hrithik as a major Bollywood star.

Kartik Aaryan – Dostana 2

Kartik Aaryan was originally the male lead in Karan Johar’s Dostana 2. However, he was removed from the project in April 2021.

Reports at the time linked the development to scheduling issues and alleged differences between the actor and the production team. Dharma Productions later announced that the film would be recast.

The project eventually went through further changes and its release plans remained uncertain.

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Aishwarya Rai – Chalte Chalte, Veer Zara

Aishwarya Rai was initially cast opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Aziz Mirza’s Chalte Chalte. However, she was later replaced by Rani Mukerji.

Reports at the time linked the change to disruptions allegedly caused by Aishwarya’s then-boyfriend Salman Khan on the sets. Rani eventually stepped into the role and starred opposite Shah Rukh in the 2003 film.

Years later, Aishwarya spoke about the casting changes in an interaction with Simi Garewal. When asked about being replaced by Rani in Chalte Chalte and Preity Zinta in Veer-Zaara, the actor said she had never received an explanation for the decisions.

Anil Kapoor – Housefull 5

Anil Kapoor was also attached to Housefull 5 before leaving the project. His exit was reportedly linked to a disagreement over his fee and financial terms with the producers. The change meant that the filmmakers had to look for another actor to take up his role. The casting change came as the comedy franchise was gearing up for its next instalment.

Actors leaving projects is not unusual in Bollywood. Sometimes the reason is creative differences. At other times, scheduling, fees, personal decisions or changes in the script can lead to a casting shake-up.

For filmmakers, such exits can mean finding a replacement within a short deadline. In some cases, projects are delayed or undergo major changes. Others may even be shelved. 

FAQ

1. When will Drishyam 3 release in theatres?

The third and final part of Ajay Devgn-starrer Drishyam will hit theatres on October 2, 2026.

2. Who replaced Akshaye Khanna in Drishyam: The Conclusion?

Jaideep Ahlawat replaced Akshaye Khanna with a full character change just a week before the filming began.