Filming for 'Drishyam 3' is proceeding with its Goa schedule, commencing January 8, despite the unexpected exit of actor Akshaye Khanna. Jaideep Ahlawat has joined the cast in a new role, not as a replacement for Khanna. Director Abhishek Pathak and producer Kumar Mangat Pathak cited creative differences, including a disagreement over Khanna's character's appearance (specifically a wig), as reasons for his departure, which occurred shortly before shooting began after a contract was signed. Ajay Devgn has reportedly left the handling of the situation to the director.