(Image source from: Instagram.com/akshaye_khanna_/)
Kumar Mangat Pathak, the producer of Drishyam 3, has stated that Jaideep Ahlawat will replace Akshaye Khanna in the new film Drishyam 3. He accused Akshaye of behaving unprofessionally and mentioned plans to take legal action due to the actor’s sudden withdrawal from the movie just days before shooting was set to start. Kumar clarified that Akshaye had been engaged for the film after lengthy discussions and a signed contract, but he backed out ten days prior to his filming date. He noted that Akshaye had originally agreed not to wear a wig for the sake of continuity but changed his mind after being influenced by his team.
In an interview, the producer shared, "We had a contract with Akshaye Khanna. His payment was also settled following numerous negotiations from his end. He insisted that he wanted to wear a wig. However, (director) Abhishek Pathak persuaded him that it would create continuity problems since Drishyam 3 is a follow-up. He understood the reasoning and agreed to drop that request." "But, the people around him encouraged him that wearing a wig would make him look better. So, he asked for it again. Abhishek agreed and was willing to talk it over with him. But then, he told us that he did not want to be part of the film anymore," he went on. Kumar also reflected on Akshaye's career, mentioning that the actor had difficulty finding roles before Section 375 in 2019 and Drishyam 2 in 2022.
The producer remarked, "There was a period when Akshaye was nobody. That’s when I worked with him on Section 375 in 2019. Back then, many advised us against working with him due to his unprofessional behavior. His presence on set is quite toxic. Section 375 helped him gain recognition. I later cast him in Drishyam 2 in 2022. He has only received significant offers since Drishyam 2. Before that, he had been sitting at home for about three to four years."
He also mentioned that Akshaye’s recent achievements might have made him a bit arrogant. Kumar stated, "Some performers take part in films with large casts, and when those films become very successful, they start to believe they are the main star. That’s exactly what’s occurred with him. He feels like he’s a big star now. The success has gone to his head. He claimed to us, ‘Dhurandhar is successful because of me.’ He needs to realize that many elements contributed to Dhurandhar's success." With Akshaye leaving, Jaideep has officially become part of the cast. The producer remarked, "Drishyam is a huge brand. It doesn’t matter if he’s in the movie or not. Now, Jaideep Ahlawat has taken his place. Thankfully, we have found a better actor than Akshaye, and most importantly, we have found a better person as well. I produced one of the early films in Jaideep's career, Aakrosh (2010)."
Regarding the financial consequences, Pathak stated, "I have faced losses because of his actions. I plan to take legal measures. I have already sent him a legal notice; he hasn’t responded yet." Pathak also expressed his astonishment at Khanna’s request for a wig, especially since the film is a direct follow-up. He said, "I was surprised. Drishyam 3 starts right where Drishyam 2 finished. How can his character suddenly have hair? Is there any technology that can grow hair in just a few minutes?" In the meantime, Dhurandhar 2 is set to be released in theaters on March 19, 2026.
