 "Explained | Akshaye Khanna’s exit from Drishyam 3: Legal notice, wig dispute, and Jaideep Ahlawat’s entry")
Akshaye Khanna’s unexpected exit from the upcoming thriller Drishyam 3 earlier this month triggered a flurry of speculation online. With several comments from the filmmaker and producers, the real story is clearer and less dramatic than many online narratives suggested.
Wondering what is happening about Akshaye Khanna’s casting in and walkout from Drishyam 3. Here’s decoding everything about the controversy - from unverified claims to what actually happened and Jaideep Ahlawat replacing Khanna in the film.
How the Controversy Started
The controversy began shortly after reports emerged that Akshaye Khanna had exited Drishyam 3 during pre-production. Producer Kumar Mangat told Bollywood Hungama, “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.”
He also added that “success has gone into his head."
Clarification from Kumar Mangat
Producer Kumar Mangat, in a later interview, clarified that he had exited one day before the release of the Aditya Dhar film.
Mangat told Bombay Times, “I have no idea why Akshaye took that step. He left Drishyam 3 a day before Dhurandhar’s release on December 4. In the trials itself, he had a fair idea that Dhurandhar would do well. He didn’t quit Drishyam 3 over money issues because he had well predicted and considered Dhurandhar’s success while demanding his fees for Drishyam 3, and that was agreed upon.”
However, he called the actor “highly unprofessional” for quitting the film 12 days before shoot and for not responding to calls or messages from the film’s team, including Mangat himself.
Games
View AllLegal notice sent to Akhaye Khanna
Kumar Mangat Pathak also added that the team had sent a legal notice to the actor for breach of agreement. Mangat, in an interview with Bollywood Hungama, added, “I have suffered losses because of his behaviour. I am going to take legal action. I have already sent him a legal notice; he’s yet to reply to it.”
Director Abhishek Pathak on Khanna’s exit
Abhishek Pathak also confirmed that Khanna had dissatisfaction over his look in the film. He told Bombay Times, “My film starts from the point where it ended. I couldn’t have him in the courtroom in the afternoon, and in the evening, he comes back with hair. How is it possible? That was the point I explained and convinced him. A few days later, this came up again, and that’s when we said we will work it out."
Pathak challenges Khanna to do a solo film
The director, in the same interview, also challenged Khanna to shoulder a solo film instead of ensembles like Chhava and Dhurandhar. “My film starts from the point where it ended. I couldn’t have him in the courtroom in the afternoon, and in the evening, he comes back with hair. How is it possible? That was the point I explained and convinced him. A few days later, this came up again, and that’s when we said we will work it out,” he said.
Is Jaideep Ahlawat replacing Khanna
Kumar Mangat had confirmed to Bombay Times, that Jaideep Ahlawat is the new addition to the cast. However, Abhishek Pathak clarified that he is not “replacing” Khanna. He told Bombay Times, “No, Jaideep is not replacing Akshaye. I’m writing a new character.”
Khanna’s stance
Akshaye Khanna has not commented on the matter yet. He has been out of the limelight and keeping his distance, as he has been even before orafter the release of his films.
About Drishyam 3
Helmed by Abhishek Pathak, Drishyam 3 marks the third chapter in the hit Drishyam franchise. The thriller brings back Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran and Rajat Kapoor in their much-loved roles. Presented by Star Studios and produced by Panorama Studios, the film is presently in production and is slated for a theatrical release on October 2.
Chief Sub Editor with a decade of experience in digital media, known for digging into behind-the-scenes trivia during interviews. Equal parts anime lover and pop-culture nerd, she spends her time ferociously hitting the keyboard, daydreaming between deadlines, travelling, chasing street food, and cracking unapologetically bad jokes.