Prakash Raj Kicks Off Filming for Drishyam 3, Clarifies He’s “Not Replacing Anyone” After Akshaye Khanna’s Departure
Veteran actor Prakash Raj has officially commenced filming for the highly anticipated Hindi thriller Drishyam 3. He took to social media to announce his involvement, addressing rumors regarding the film’s casting, particularly following Akshaye Khanna’s reported departure from the project. Raj emphasized that he is not stepping into Khanna’s role but is instead taking on a new character in the franchise.
Prakash Raj’s Exciting Announcement
On February 10, 2026, Prakash Raj shared an update from the film set on X, formerly known as Twitter. He expressed his enthusiasm for joining the *Drishyam* franchise, stating, “Started shooting for this engaging franchise *#Drishyam3* in Hindi. With a wonderful team and a scintillating role to play. I’m sure you will love it. (And yes, I’m not replacing anyone..)” His post appears to directly counter speculation that he would be taking over a role previously associated with Akshaye Khanna. Instead, Raj’s character is confirmed to be a fresh addition to the storyline.
The third installment of *Drishyam* continues to follow the story of Vijay Salgaonkar and his family, with Ajay Devgn expected to reprise his lead role. The previous films in the series were both commercial hits, garnering a dedicated fan base and setting high expectations for this upcoming chapter.
Addressing Casting Speculations
Prakash Raj’s announcement comes on the heels of his response to rumors about his involvement in another project, *Spirit*, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. Reports had circulated that he was dropped from the film due to creative differences while it was still in production. The film, which stars Prabhas and Triptii Dimri, has been generating significant buzz since its announcement.
Earlier claims suggested that Raj, who was initially confirmed as a key cast member, was removed from the project during filming in Hyderabad. Allegations of on-set issues were cited as the reason for this unexpected casting change. However, Prakash Raj firmly denied these reports. In a post on his X account, he stated, “To all the toxic #Fakenews peddlers…. On *Spirit* the movie. We have not even started shooting for my scenes, and you whatsup factories speculate stories. Grow up and have a life. #justasking.”
Looking Ahead in the Industry
As production on *Drishyam 3* progresses and *Spirit* continues its development, Prakash Raj has publicly clarified his position regarding both films. His recent statements aim to quell any confusion surrounding his roles in these projects. With *Drishyam 3* set to build on the success of its predecessors, fans are eager to see how Raj’s new character will fit into the established narrative.
The anticipation surrounding *Drishyam 3* reflects the franchise’s strong following and the high expectations for its continuation. As the film industry evolves, Raj’s involvement in these significant projects highlights his enduring presence and versatility as an actor.
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