New Delhi: Jaideep Ahlawat has dismissed comparisons between his character in Drishyam: The Conclusion and Akshaye Khanna’s role in the previous instalment,
saying he never approached the part as a replacement.
“When I heard the story, it was never presented to me as if I was coming in place of Akshaye sir,” Ahlawat said. According to the actor, his character has a distinct introduction, relationships and narrative, making it unnecessary to view the role through the lens of the character played by Khanna.
“It’s a completely different journey,” he explained, pointing out that his character will establish his own equation with Meera and the Deshmukh family. Ahlawat said he preferred to concentrate on understanding the character on its own terms rather than worry about how audiences might compare the two actors.
Ajay Devgn, echoing this sentiment, said, “I think a comparison isn’t possible because, as the case wasn’t solved by the local police, we had to move on. Now, the Crime Branch steps in. That makes the threat bigger, avoids repetition, and as they are two different characters, the entire approach to the investigation changes when the Crime Branch gets involved.”
Ahlawat also credited director-writer Abhishek Pathak for giving him a detailed understanding of the role. From the character’s costumes and hairstyle to his goggles and overall appearance, Pathak had already worked out several aspects of the character, which helped Ahlawat approach the part with greater clarity.
“The actor’s job becomes easier,” Ahlawat said, explaining that a clearly designed character gives an actor the freedom to focus on the performance.
For Ahlawat, stepping into the Drishyam universe was less about following in someone else’s footsteps and more about creating a character with his own identity.
Directed by Abhishek Pathak, Drishyam: The Conclusion will release in theatres on October 2, 2026.
