The much-anticipated third installment of the popular Hindi thriller franchise, 'Drishyam', has hit a major roadblock even before rolling the cameras. Actor Akshaye Khanna has officially exited the project, leading to a public fallout with the producers who are now considering legal recourse.
Producer Confirms Exit and Replacement
In a significant development, producer Kumar Mangat Pathak has officially announced that Akshaye Khanna is no longer part of 'Drishyam 3'. The production house has swiftly moved on by roping in acclaimed actor Jaideep Ahlawat to fill the vacant role. This casting change comes amidst brewing controversy between the actor and the film's creators.
More strikingly, Pathak revealed that the production company is actively preparing to send a legal notice to Akshaye Khanna over the abrupt exit. This move underscores the seriousness of the dispute and suggests potential contractual breaches that the makers intend to pursue.
Behind the Split: Money and Creative Control
According to the producer, the primary reason for the fallout was a disagreement over remuneration. Reports indicate that Khanna's fees were negotiated multiple times, but a consensus could not be reached. It is alleged that following these negotiations, the actor became unresponsive to the production team's calls, effectively halting further discussions.
Beyond the financial aspect, a seemingly minor creative difference also played a pivotal role. The film's team and Akshaye Khanna reportedly clashed over the actor's hairstyle for the character. While Khanna insisted on wearing a wig, the makers were not in agreement with this choice. This disagreement over appearance, coupled with the pay dispute, created an irreconcilable rift.
Earlier industry reports suggested that Akshaye Khanna, buoyed by the success of his recent films 'Chhaava' and the blockbuster 'Dhurandhar', had demanded a fee of around Rs 21 crore for his role in 'Drishyam 3'.
Drishyam 3 Details and Khanna's Recent Success
'Drishyam 3' will once again be directed by Abhishek Pathak and will feature Ajay Devgn in the lead role. The film is already slated for a grand theatrical release on October 2, 2026.
The exit news follows Akshaye Khanna's career-high phase. His performance as Rehman Dakait in the 2025 release 'Dhurandhar' was widely praised, with one of his dance sequences becoming a viral sensation online. The film itself was a monumental commercial success, earning over Rs 1000 crore at the global box office. Its sequel is scheduled for release on March 19, 2026.
The situation presents a significant challenge for the 'Drishyam' team but also opens a door for Jaideep Ahlawat, whose powerful performances have earned him a formidable reputation in the industry. As the legal clouds gather, all eyes are now on how this behind-the-scenes drama unfolds and what impact it will have on one of Bollywood's most beloved franchises.
