Akshaye Khanna Makes FIRST Appearance Since Drishyam 3 Producer's Legal Notice, Shocking Claims | Watch

Akshaye Khanna has made his first appearance since being embroiled in the Drishyam 3 controversy. 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. The makers claimed that Akshaye’s exit was abrupt, and producer Kumar Mangat Pathak even revealed that he had sent a legal notice to the actor.

Amid this controversy, Akshaye Khanna was spotted by paparazzi in a casual look. The actor wore an orange T-shirt with jeans and a jacket. He completed his look with a cap and a black belt. The actor has yet to respond to the controversy surrounding his exit from Drishyam 3.

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Meanwhile, 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 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.”

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?”

As Akshaye Khanna has exited Drishyam 3, Jaideep Ahlawat has been brought in to play a new character in the Ajay Devgn-headlined franchise.