The much-anticipated production of 'Drishyam 3' has been rocked by a major controversy following the sudden departure of actor Akshaye Khanna. The exit, confirmed on December 29, 2025, has escalated into a public spat, with producer Kumar Mangat Pathak leveling serious allegations against the actor and threatening legal recourse.
The Producer's Explosive Allegations
Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak, a key figure behind the successful 'Drishyam' franchise, has not minced words in his criticism. He has publicly accused Akshaye Khanna of unprofessional behaviour, which he claims led to a disruptive environment on set. The core of the conflict appears to be a significant ego clash that ultimately resulted in what Pathak describes as a last-minute walkout by the actor.
Pathak has confirmed that his production house is moving forward with legal action against Khanna, indicating the severity of the fallout. The producer's stance suggests that the actor's exit was not a mutual decision but a breach that has potentially jeopardised shooting schedules and financial planning for the high-profile sequel.
Industry Rallies in Defence of Akshaye Khanna
In a swift turn of events, several voices from within the film industry have come forward to defend Akshaye Khanna. While the specific individuals were not named in the initial report, this counter-narrative paints a different picture of the events leading to the exit.
These industry insiders are reportedly challenging the producer's version, potentially hinting at differing perspectives on creative control, contractual obligations, or on-set dynamics. This defence adds a layer of complexity to the story, transforming it from a simple case of unprofessionalism into a potential he-said-she-said scenario common in high-stakes Bollywood productions.
Fallout and Future of Drishyam 3
The immediate consequence of this rift is a significant casting void in 'Drishyam 3'. The film, which is a sequel to the hugely successful thrillers starring Ajay Devgn, now faces an unexpected hurdle mid-production. The team must now decide whether to recast the role or pause to reassess the situation entirely.
Beyond the film's immediate future, this public dispute raises questions about professional relationships and conflict resolution in Bollywood. The threat of a lawsuit sets a serious precedent and could lead to a protracted legal battle that keeps the controversy in the news for months to come. For fans, the hope is that the behind-the-scenes drama does not overshadow the final product of one of Indian cinema's most beloved franchises.
The incident, breaking just before the new year, has certainly guaranteed that 'Drishyam 3' will remain a topic of intense speculation and discussion, not just for its plot, but for the real-life drama unfolding off-screen.
