Akshaye Khanna has been firmly back in the spotlight ever since Dhurandhar hit theatres, with fans and critics alike praising his chilling turn as Rehman Dakait. But just as audiences were buzzing about what he would do next, the internet was caught off guard by reports that Akshaye had exited Drishyam 3, with Jaideep Ahlawat stepping into the role instead.
Amid the chatter and conflicting narratives, filmmaker Priyadarshan has now offered a very different perspective on Akshaye — one that goes back to the very start of their collaboration.
“Everyone Told Me He Was Difficult”
Priyadarshan and Akshaye Khanna share a long professional history, having worked together on films like Hungama and Hulchul. But their association began much earlier, with Doli Saja Ke Rakhna.
Recalling that time in a recent interview, Priyadarshan revealed that he was actively discouraged from casting Akshaye in the film.
“Everybody had discouraged me from signing him on,” he said. “They said he is difficult and moody.”
Despite the warnings, Priyadarshan trusted his instincts — and never looked back.
“If I Called Him at 5 AM, He Was There”
Contrary to the reputation being circulated at the time, Priyadarshan said he found Akshaye to be nothing but professional and dependable.
“I fell in love with him from the first film itself. I never found him difficult,” the director shared. “If I called him at 5 am, he would be there on time. He is a darling.”
Priyadarshan added that across the six films they worked on together, there was never a single bitter moment — something he feels says a lot about Akshaye’s temperament. According to him, the actor is also largely unaffected by criticism and prefers to stay focused on his work rather than industry noise.
The Drishyam 3 Exit Controversy
The director’s remarks stand in sharp contrast to comments made earlier by Drishyam 3 producer Kumar Mangat, who claimed that Akshaye was replaced after success allegedly “went to his head.”
Speaking to the media, Mangat suggested that sometimes actors in ensemble films overestimate their individual contribution once a project becomes successful. He also referenced their earlier collaboration on Section 375, saying he had supported Akshaye during a career lull and expected him to continue with Drishyam 3.
The producer’s comments sparked mixed reactions online, with many fans coming out in Akshaye’s defence — especially in light of Priyadarshan’s recent statements.
What’s Next for Akshaye Khanna
While Akshaye may no longer be part of Drishyam 3, his upcoming slate remains strong. He is expected to reprise his role as Rehman Dakait in Dhurandhar 2, which is already generating anticipation. The actor has also signed on to play Asuraguru Shukracharya in Prashanth Varma’s upcoming film Mahakali.
Final Words
In an industry quick to label actors, Priyadarshan’s account offers a reminder that reputations don’t always reflect reality. For him, Akshaye Khanna has always been punctual, professional, and drama-free — a far cry from the “difficult” tag once attached to his name.
As Dhurandhar continues to fuel his resurgence, it seems Akshaye is letting his work — not the noise — do the talking.
