'Drishyam 3' producer speaks out on Akshaye Khanna's exit from Ajay Devgn, Tabu starrer: 'Success has gone into his head after Dhurandhar…I have sent him a legal notice'

'Drishyam 3' makers recently announced that the film would release on October 2, 2026 owing to its significance from the first film. The film starring Ajay Devgan and Tabu conspicuously left out Akshaye Khanna's name from the credits, raising concerns on the actor's presence in the film. Thereafter, reports started pouring in on how Khanna had quit the project over remuneration issues amid 'Dhurandhar's success and usage of a wig for the film. Now, in a recent interview, producer Kumar Mangat Pathak has revealed the concerns surrounding Khanna's exit from the much-awaited thriller.

Wig demand and sudden exit

According to Bollywood Hungama, the producer said Akshaye Khanna also demanded a wig just days before shooting was about to start. Since 'Drishyam 3' is a sequel the makers felt this would create continuity problems. Reportedly, the makers were ready to talk but suddenly Akshaye said he did not want to do the film at all.




Pathak said, “We had signed an agreement with Akshaye Khanna. His fees also got locked after a lot of renegotiations from his side. He insisted that he would like to wear a wig. But (director) Abhishek Pathak convinced him that it wouldn’t be practical, as it would result in continuity issues since Drishyam 3 is a sequel. He understood his point and agreed to let go of that demand. However, the chamchas around him advised him that he would look smarter if he donned a wig. So, he again requested the same. Abhishek relented and was even ready to discuss this point with him. But then, he informed us that he doesn’t want to be a part of the film at all.”

'Dhurandhar' comment caused anger

Kumar Mangat Pathak said Akshaye believed Dhurandhar worked only because of him. The producer strongly disagreed. He said Dhurandhar was not a solo film and many factors made it successful. He added that if Akshaye does a solo film it may not even collect fifty crore in India. He said some actors do ensemble films and after success they start thinking they are superstars.


“There was a time when Akshaye was nothing. That’s when I made Section 375 (2019) with him. Even then, so many people told us not to work with him because of his unprofessional behaviour. His energy on set is absolutely toxic. Section 375 got him recognition. Later, I signed him in Drishyam 2 (2022). He has got all the big offers only after Drishyam 2. Uske pehle woh 3-4 saal tak ghar pe baitha hua tha (Before that, he was sitting at home for 3–4 years)," revelaed Pathak.

Legal action and replacement

The producer also shared that Akshaye loved the 'Drishyam 3' script when he heard it at his Alibaug farmhouse. He even called it a five hundred crore film. After that the fee was fixed, an agreement was signed and advance was paid. Costumes were also designed. When Akshaye backed out it caused heavy losses to the makers. Because of this legal action has already been started against him.

Pathak further revealed, “Also, it’s important to note that the Drishyam franchise is fronted by Ajay Devgn. Chhaava is a Vicky Kaushal film along with Akshaye. The same goes for Dhurandhar – it's Ranveer Singh’s film. If Akshaye does a solo film, it won’t even collect Rs. 50 crores in India. Forget the lifetime, if he thinks he has become a superstar, then he should try mounting a superstar budget film with some studio and see who greenlights his film with that kind of budget. Some actors do ensemble cast films and after those movies become big hits, they start thinking that they are the star. That’s exactly what has happened with him. He thinks he’s a superstar now. Success has gone into his head. He told us, ‘Dhurandhar is working because of me’. He needs to understand that multiple factors worked in favour of Dhurandhar.”


Jaideep Ahlawat to replace Akshaye Khanna in 'Drishyam 3'

Now latest reports have suggested that Akshaye Khanna has been replaced by Jaideep Ahlawat in 'Drishyam 3'. The makers have moved on and are focusing on completing the film.












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