With the developers establishing a theatrical release date of October 2, 2026, the announcement of Drishyam 3 had created enormous expectation. But when Akshaye Khanna departed the movie, the anticipation was soon followed by shock. Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak has officially addressed the rumors surrounding Akshaye`s departure from the movie and whether Jaideep Ahlawat would take the Dhurandhar star`s place.
Kumar Mangat Pathak slammed Akshaye Khanna
Kumar Mangat Pathak spoke to 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 went on to add, “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.”
Here`s why Kumar called Akshaye toxic
Kumar Mangat Pathak calls Akshaye Khanna toxic and reveals how he had no work for a long time, “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.”
Kumar went on to reveal that Akshaye had loved the script of Drishyam 3 and was all excited to be a part of it, however, 10 days after agreeing he decided to quit the film, “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 to sue Akshaye Kumar
“Drishyam is a very big brand,” said Kumar Mangat Pathak. He went on to say, “Whether or not he appears in the movie is irrelevant. He has now been replaced by Jaideep Ahlawat. By God`s grace, we have a better actor than Akshaye, but more significantly, we have a better person than Akshaye. I had produced Aakrosh, one of Jaideep`s first films.”
“I have suffered losses because of his behavior,” the producer continued. I intend to file a lawsuit. He hasn`t responded to the legal notification I sent him yet. I was taken aback. Where Drishyam 2 ended, Drishyam 3 starts How can his character suddenly get hair? Is there any technology in the world that can grow hair within minutes?.”
