Akshaye Khanna, who is enjoying the success of Dhurandhar, has recently exited his much-anticipated film Drishyam 3. Following his exit from the film, producer Kumar Mangat Pathak spoke about Akshaye Khanna’s
sudden move and shared how the actor simply messaged him about his exit and then stopped taking the producer’s calls and messages.
Speaking to ETimes, the producer said he has no idea why Akshaye decided to step away from the project and shared that the actor already knew that Dhurandhar would become a successful film and had factored that into his fee for Drishyam 3, which was agreed upon.
Kumar shared, “After he signed the agreement, his costumes were finalised and paid for. Just 12 days before the shoot was to commence on December 16, I got a text from him saying he wouldn’t be doing the film, and that we would definitely work together in the future.”
“He has a tendency to go MIA whenever he wants to, and I am aware of that side of him, but this is highly unprofessional. How can you not respond to calls and messages?” Kumar continued.
Lashing out at Akshaye, Kumar further said, “At least walk out graciously. How can you not respond to calls and messages? We have known each other for 15 years! Why accept the money in the first place?”
About Akshaye Khanna’s Exit from Drishyam 3
The news of Akshaye Khanna’s exit made headlines after the makers confirmed October 2, 2026, as the release date for the film. While Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, and Rajat Kapoor were listed as part of the principal cast, Akshaye Khanna’s name was conspicuously absent.
Later, producer Kumar Mangat Pathak confirmed the exit and 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.”
Kumar Mangat Pathak further 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.”
