Drishyam 3 Producer SUES 'Toxic' Akshaye Khanna For Exit After Taking Advance: 'Thinks He's A Superstar'

The announcement of Drishyam 3 had generated massive anticipation, with the makers confirming an October 2, 2026, theatrical release. However, the excitement was quickly accompanied by surprise when Akshaye Khanna left the film. While there were speculations about why Akshaye had left the film and whether Jaideep Ahlawat was going to replace the Dhurandhar star, producer Kumar Mangat Pathak has finally spoken on the matter.

Kumar Mangat Pathak 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 added, “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.”

Kumar Mangat Pathak mentioned, “There was a time when Akshaye was nothing. That’s when I made Section 375 (2019) with him. Even then, so many people told us not to work with him because of his unprofessional behaviour. His energy on set is absolutely toxic. Section 375 got him recognition. Later, I signed him in Drishyam 2 (2022). He has got all the big offers only after Drishyam 2. Uske pehle woh 3-4 saal tak ghar pe baitha hua tha.”

He further mentioned, “Also, it’s important to note that the Drishyam franchise is fronted by Ajay Devgn. Chhaava is a Vicky Kaushal film along with Akshaye. The same goes for Dhurandhar – it’s Ranveer Singh’s film. If Akshaye does a solo film, it won’t even collect Rs 50 crores in India. Forget the lifetime; if he thinks he has become a superstar, then he should try mounting a superstar budget film with some studio and see who greenlights his film with that kind of budget.”

“Some actors do ensemble cast films, and after those movies become big hits, they start thinking that they are the star. That’s exactly what has happened with him. He thinks he’s a superstar now. Success has gone into his head. He told us, ‘Dhurandhar is working because of me.’ He needs to understand that multiple factors worked in favour of Dhurandhar,” Pathak said.

Kumar Mangat Pathak then said, “When he heard the script in his Alibaug farmhouse, he liked it so much that he told us, ‘Yeh Rs 500 crore ki film hai. Maine life mein aisi script nahin suni hai.’ He even hugged Abhishek and the writer. Then, we had negotiations, after which we agreed on the fees. We even signed the agreement. He even got an advance while we paid the designer for his clothes. And then 10 days before his shoot, he declined to work on the film.”

Kumar Mangat Pathak stated, “Drishyam is a very big brand. It doesn’t matter whether he is in the film or not. Now, Jaideep Ahlawat has replaced him. By the grace of God, we have got a better actor than Akshaye, and most importantly, we have got a better person than Akshaye as well. I had produced one of the first films of Jaideep’s career, Aakrosh (2010).”

The producer then said, “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… I was shocked. Drishyam 3 begins where Drishyam 2 ended. How can his character suddenly get hair? Is there any technology in the world that can grow hair within minutes?”

Meanwhile, Akshaye Khanna has yet to respond to these claims.