Prakash Raj Joins Drishyam 3 Movie

Prakash Raj has started filming for Drishyam 3. He said he is joining the movie but is not replacing any actor who left. The film is set to release on October 2nd.
By Newsroom | Bollywood, Movies |

Filming Commences for "Drishyam 3" with Prakash Raj Joining the Cast, Addressing Replacement Rumors

The production of "Drishyam 3" has seen Prakash Raj officially join the film's cast, marking the start of his shooting schedule for the Hindi installment of the popular thriller franchise. This development follows recent speculation and rumors concerning the departure of actor Akshaye Khanna from the project. Raj himself has proactively addressed these reports, stating that he is "not replacing anyone." The film, a sequel to the successful "Drishyam" series starring Ajay Devgn, continues its production with a planned release on October 2nd of this year, a date that has become a recognizable brand marker for the franchise.

Prakash Raj begins shooting for Drishyam 3, quips he is “not replacing anyone” after Akshaye Khanna’s exit from Ajay Devgn-starrer - 1

Contextualizing the Casting Announcement

Prakash Raj's entry into "Drishyam 3" has been confirmed through his own social media posts and widely reported across entertainment news outlets. The actor began shooting for the film on Tuesday, as stated by multiple sources. This announcement comes at a time when the film's casting has been a subject of considerable discussion, particularly following reports of Akshaye Khanna's exit. Khanna's departure itself was reportedly linked to creative differences or issues surrounding his role, including a request to wear a wig, which caused some friction with the production team. Amidst this, rumors circulated that other actors, including Jaideep Ahlawat, might be stepping in. Raj's direct statement, "and yes I am not replacing anyone," aims to clarify his position and perhaps preempt further unfounded speculation. The film continues with Ajay Devgn reprising his lead role as Vijay Salgaonkar, alongside Tabu and Shriya Saran.

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Prakash Raj begins shooting for Drishyam 3, quips he is “not replacing anyone” after Akshaye Khanna’s exit from Ajay Devgn-starrer - 2

Evidence of Prakash Raj's Involvement

  • Direct Confirmation: Prakash Raj has explicitly stated his involvement in "Drishyam 3" on platforms like Instagram and X, announcing that he has started shooting for the film.

  • Key Statement: His repeated affirmation, "and yes I am not replacing anyone," is a central piece of information communicated across various reports.

  • Collaboration History: Raj has a previous working relationship with Ajay Devgn, having starred together in the commercially successful film "Singham."

  • Franchise Alignment: The film's release is slated for October 2nd, continuing a tradition associated with the "Drishyam" narrative.

  • Speculative Context: Reports mention prior "contention between Akshaye Khanna and the Drishyam 3 team," including his request to wear a wig, as a backdrop to the ongoing casting discussions.

Prakash Raj's Role and Clarifications

Prakash Raj has been candid about his participation in "Drishyam 3," making it clear that he is not stepping into Akshaye Khanna's shoes. His statement suggests that his role is a distinct addition to the existing narrative, rather than a replacement. He has indicated that he will be playing a "scintillating role" and has also noted that he is not playing a cop in this particular directorial by Abhishek Pathak. The actor’s direct engagement in clarifying his position highlights the public interest and the dynamic nature of casting news within major film productions.

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Prakash Raj begins shooting for Drishyam 3, quips he is “not replacing anyone” after Akshaye Khanna’s exit from Ajay Devgn-starrer - 3

The Nuance of "Not Replacing Anyone"

The phrase "not replacing anyone" as used by Prakash Raj carries significant weight in the context of "Drishyam 3." Given Akshaye Khanna's reported exit, it is natural for audiences and media to assume that a new actor joining the cast would be a direct replacement. Raj's assertion suggests a few possibilities:

Prakash Raj begins shooting for Drishyam 3, quips he is “not replacing anyone” after Akshaye Khanna’s exit from Ajay Devgn-starrer - 4

  • New Character: His role might be an entirely new character, conceived separately from Khanna's part, thus not constituting a direct replacement.

  • Ensemble Addition: He could be joining as part of a larger ensemble cast, where his role is added to strengthen the existing lineup rather than fill a vacated slot.

  • Preemptive Statement: It may also be a strategic move to preempt speculation and focus attention on his own contribution to the film, independent of any actor's departure.

Industry Reactions and Franchise Dynamics

The entry of a seasoned actor like Prakash Raj is seen as a move to "raise the stakes" and introduce "fresh tension" into the franchise's ongoing cat-and-mouse narrative. His known ability to portray characters with "authority and unpredictability" is expected to add significant depth. The confirmation of the cast, including the returning core actors and Raj's addition, indicates a robust production phase for "Drishyam 3." The director, Abhishek Pathak, had previously expressed surprise at Akshaye Khanna's decision to exit, noting Khanna's initial enthusiasm for the project.

Conclusion and Future Implications

Prakash Raj's commencement of shooting for "Drishyam 3" and his clear statement about not replacing anyone are key developments. While the exact nature of his role remains undisclosed, his affirmation aims to manage public perception and curb speculation regarding Akshaye Khanna's departure. The franchise continues to build anticipation for its October 2nd release, with the addition of Raj poised to bring new layers to the film's established suspense. Further details about the plot and the specific characters will likely emerge as production progresses. The clear articulation of his status is a direct attempt to control the narrative surrounding his involvement.

Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Prakash Raj in Drishyam 3?
Yes, Prakash Raj has started filming for Drishyam 3.
Q: Is Prakash Raj replacing Akshaye Khanna?
Prakash Raj said that he is not replacing anyone in the film.
Q: When will Drishyam 3 be released?
Drishyam 3 is planned to be released on October 2nd.