Even before cameras start rolling, films often go through intense behind-the-scenes drama and Drishyam 3 is now making headlines for exactly that reason. When the makers officially announced the third installment of the hugely successful franchise with an October 2, 2026 theatrical release, fans were thrilled. Expectations were sky-high, especially after the gripping endings of the previous films.
However, the excitement soon turned into curiosity and confusion when news broke that Akshaye Khanna would no longer be part of the film. With speculation running wild about his sudden exit and rumours suggesting Jaideep Ahlawat as his replacement, producer Kumar Mangat Pathak has finally shared his side of the story.
According to the producer, Akshaye Khanna was formally signed for Drishyam 3 and even his remuneration was finalised after lengthy discussions. Everything seemed to be moving smoothly until creative differences began to surface. One of the key points of disagreement revolved around Akshaye’s appearance in the film. He reportedly wanted to wear a wig but director Abhishek Pathak felt this would cause continuity issues since the story directly continues from where Drishyam 2 ended. After some discussion, Akshaye initially appeared to understand the concern and agreed to move forward without it.
However, the matter did not end there. Influences from people around him allegedly reignited the issue, with suggestions that a wig would enhance his look. Despite the director being open to further discussions, the situation escalated when Akshaye eventually decided that he no longer wanted to be part of the project. This decision came as a major shock to the team, especially given how advanced the preparations already were.
Kumar Mangat Pathak did not hold back while speaking about his past experiences with the actor. He recalled working with Akshaye Khanna on Section 375 in 2019, a time when the actor was not enjoying much commercial success. Even then, there were warnings from others in the industry about Akshaye’s difficult behaviour on set. Despite that, the producer backed him and the film helped Akshaye regain visibility and credibility. This momentum continued when Akshaye became part of Drishyam 2, which turned out to be a massive success and opened doors to several big projects for him.
The producer believes that this newfound success may have affected the actor’s outlook. He pointed out that the Drishyam franchise has always been led by Ajay Devgn and that Akshaye Khanna’s recent films were also fronted by major stars like Vicky Kaushal and Ranveer Singh. In his view, ensemble successes should not be mistaken for solo stardom. He felt that Akshaye began to overestimate his individual box office pull and credit himself excessively for the success of films, especially Dhurandhar that worked due to multiple factors.
What made the situation more surprising was Akshaye Khanna’s initial reaction to the Drishyam 3 script. During a narration session at his farmhouse, he reportedly praised the story enthusiastically, calling it extraordinary. Agreements were signed, advances were paid and even costume preparations had begun. Then, just days before his scheduled shoot, Akshaye Khanna backed out, leaving the production scrambling.
Despite the setback, the makers remain confident. Kumar Mangat Pathak emphasised that Drishyam is a strong brand that does not depend on one actor. Jaideep Ahlawat has now stepped into the role and the producer expressed relief and satisfaction with the change. Having worked with Jaideep early in his career, he described him not only as a stronger performer but also as a more grounded and reliable professional.
The producer also revealed that the fallout has caused financial losses and that legal action has been initiated. A legal notice has already been sent, though no response has been received yet. He also questioned the logic behind the original demand, pointing out that the film resumes exactly where the previous one ended, making sudden changes in appearance unrealistic.
As of now, Akshaye Khanna has not responded publicly to these claims, leaving the industry watching closely as this high-profile dispute continues to unfold.
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