Akshaye Khanna’s name has been dominating headlines lately — partly due to the massive success of Dhurandhar, and partly because of the sudden cloud hanging over his exit from Drishyam 3. While early chatter suggested a dramatic fee hike after Dhurandhar turned blockbuster, the film’s producer Kumar Mangat Pathak has now stepped forward with a very different version of events.
And according to him, money was never the problem.
“Fees were locked, costumes were ready”
Clearing the air, Kumar Mangat Pathak says Akshaye had already been signed at his quoted fee, with preparations well underway. Costumes were approved, designers had started work, and everything seemed on track.
The issue, he reveals, came from a creative disagreement, not finances.
Akshaye, who plays a bald character in the Drishyam universe, reportedly asked for a change in look — specifically, he wanted hair after receiving praise for his appearance in Dhurandhar. Director Abhishek Pathak, however, shut the idea down for a simple reason: Drishyam 3 begins the same night where Drishyam 2 ends.
As Kumar bluntly puts it, “Six hours later, hair doesn’t magically grow.”
He also claims Akshaye initially agreed, with conversations documented.
Influence, ego, and sudden success?
According to the producer, the issue didn’t end there. He alleges that people around the actor pushed him to stick to the Dhurandhar image going forward — something Kumar strongly disagrees with.
He points out that every film demands a different look, and warns against the mindset where actors begin to believe a film’s success rests solely on their shoulders. Kumar also reflected on his long-standing professional and personal bond with Akshaye, recalling how they worked together on Section 375 and remained close even during periods when the actor wasn’t getting steady work.
In his words, sudden success can sometimes “go to one’s head.”
Exit just before release, no explanation given
Things reportedly escalated just one day before Dhurandhar hit theatres on December 5. Kumar claims Akshaye sent a brief message stating he was no longer doing Drishyam 3 — without explanation — and then stopped responding to calls.
According to the producer, this behaviour wasn’t new. “When he doesn’t want to talk, he disappears. When he needs something, he calls repeatedly,” he alleges.
Jaideep Ahlawat steps in, script tweaked
With Akshaye out, the makers moved quickly. Jaideep Ahlawat has now been brought on board to take over the role. Kumar confirms that the character has been slightly reworked by director Abhishek Pathak to better suit Jaideep’s strengths.
“He’s a better actor,” Kumar says candidly, adding that the story has also undergone changes following the recast.
Legal notice and financial fallout
The sudden exit didn’t come without consequences. Sets had already been built, shooting had begun on December 16, and production schedules were disrupted. As a result, the makers have reportedly sent a legal notice to Akshaye Khanna, seeking compensation for the losses incurred.
Kumar makes it clear that walking out after committing — and taking money — is unacceptable. Sets had to be dismantled and rebuilt, and additional costs were unavoidable.
No turning back
Perhaps the strongest statement comes at the end. Kumar Mangat Pathak says there’s no chance of reconciliation, even if Akshaye wants to return.
After what he calls unprofessional behaviour, the producer firmly states that he will never work with Akshaye Khanna again.
Final words
What began as rumours of a fee dispute has now unfolded into a story of creative clashes, timing issues, and broken trust. With Drishyam 3 moving forward under a new cast and revised script, the franchise continues — but the fallout behind the scenes is a reminder that success can sometimes complicate even the strongest professional relationships.
