Akshaye
Khanna’s resurgence as one of the leading Bollywood actors has come with a heavy price. The actor’s dance to FA9LA in Dhurandhar garnered all the limelight and his co-stars in the spy drama couldn’t stop gushing over his promptness, which added an extra spark to the high-octane screenplay. Before the impact of his performance could settle, hullabaloo around his exit from Drishyam 3 opened a new chapter where allegations, claims and noise about his alleged unprofessionalism were written in dark and bold letters. Each day began with fresh statements, new allegations and a pin-drop silence from Akshaye, who is probably spending the New Year with quiet time at his Alibaug property.
Akshaye Khanna exits Drishyam 3 without explanation
If you’re wondering how this entire controversy around his
Drishyam 3 exit began, let’s take you through the timeline. It all started with an X tweet on Bollywood Machine that claimed Akshaye quit
Drishyam 3 over creative and monetary differences. He entered the franchise as IG Tarun Ahlawat in the sequel (2022). The tweet surfaced on December 24. By December 26, a report confirmed that the makers locked
Jaideep Ahlawat after Akshaye left the film a couple of days before going on floors.
Drishyam 3 producer hints at legal action
Following the speculation,
Drishyam 3 producer Kumar Mangat Pathak confirmed Akshaye’s exit. In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Pathak made shocking claims pertaining to the actor’s approach towards the much-anticipated crime thriller. He revealed that Akshaye demanded a wig and pay hike amid Dhurandhar’s roaring success. When
Drishyam 3 director and Kumar Mangat’s son Abhishek Pathak told him that a wig couldn’t be practical, as it would affect the continuity of the narrative. Akshaye understood Abhishek’s point and agreed to let go of the wig. However, days later, the actor returned to the director with the same demand. Soon, instead of coming to a common ground, he quit the film. In addition to this, Kumar Mangat said
Akshaye took the credit for Dhurandhar’s success and told them that the film is working because of him. Recalling the actor’s excitement after listening to the script, the
Drishyam 3 producer hinted at initiating a legal action against him.
Akshaye left Drishyam 3 without informing
In another interview, Kumar Mangat Pathak told ETimes that
Akshaye left Drishyam 3 a day before Dhurandhar’s release. He also said that the actor was aware that Dhurandhar would do well at the box office. Pathak clarified that Akshaye did not leave
Drishyam 3 due to money issues and the wig demand not being met. He was paid his signing amount before the actor allegedly ghosted him. Calling Khanna ‘highly unprofessional’, the producer said he hasn’t reached out to him with an explanation.
Drishyam 3 director breaks silence
Director Abhishek Pathak broke his silence over the matter in an interview with ETimes. Disappointed with the actor’s behaviour, he revealed the contract was signed in November, and the film was to go on floors five days after his exit. Abhishek said, “I wish him all the best and would say - try to do a solo film now.”
Section 375 director accuses Akshaye of breaching contract
Circling back, Akshaye’s behaviour created problems during the making of
Section 375, too, as per Kumar Mangat Pathak. To add to the claims, writer-director Manish Gupta also accused the actor of unprofessionalism. Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, the Section 375 director said Akshaye signed the film in 2017 and his fee was fixed at Rs 2 crore and he took Rs 21 lakh as advance. Suddenly, the actor blocked the dates dedicated to the shoot of
Section 375 to
The Accidental Prime Minister, and he flew off to London. The filming was put on hold for 6 months. After returning, he demanded Rs 3.25 crore and breached the contract. The director also claimed that Akshaye wanted complete control over the film. Manish said, “Regrettably, most Bollywood filmmakers cater to every actor's desire.”
Legal action was initiated but...
Manish’s statement revealed that Akshaye allegedly asked Kumar Mangat to fire him from
Section 375. The actor’s ‘unprofessional’ attitude made the director send legal warnings, and he was also ready to file a lawsuit before an out-of-court settlement was made. He concluded by saying Kumar Mangat is now at the receiving end and is facing the brunt.
Drishyam 3 release date
Akshaye’s legal team is yet to react to the entire controversy.
Drishyam 3 will be made with Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, Ishita Dutta, Mrunal Jadhav and Rajat Kapoor. The film is releasing on October 2, 2026.
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