The drama around Akshaye Khanna’s sudden exit from Drishyam 3 refuses to die down. After producer Kumar Mangat Pathak publicly accused the actor of walking out at the last minute, director Abhishek Pathak has finally stepped in to explain what actually happened — and to shut down growing speculation around Jaideep Ahlawat replacing Akshaye.
Jaideep Ahlawat Is NOT Replacing Akshaye Khanna
Putting the biggest rumour to rest, Abhishek made it clear that Jaideep Ahlawat is not stepping into Akshaye Khanna’s role in the Ajay Devgn-starrer.
“No, Jaideep is not replacing Akshaye. I’m writing a new character,” Abhishek said while speaking to Bombay Times.
This clarification comes after confusion sparked by earlier comments from producer Kumar Mangat Pathak, who confirmed Jaideep’s casting but hinted that his role would carry similar narrative weight. Abhishek, however, stressed that Jaideep’s character is freshly written, not a recast.
Ajay Devgn Stayed Completely Hands-Off
Abhishek also revealed how Ajay Devgn reacted to the controversy. According to the director, the superstar chose not to interfere at all.
“He left it to me completely. This was between me, Akshaye and the production. Ajay didn’t step in,” Abhishek shared.
Devgn reprises his iconic role as Vijay Salgaonkar, and sources say he remained focused on the film rather than the behind-the-scenes fallout.
What Actually Went Wrong With Akshaye Khanna
Addressing Akshaye’s exit, Abhishek said the decision came shockingly late — just five days before the film was set to go on floors.
“The contract was signed in November. The look was locked, costumes were being made, narration had happened, and he loved the story,” Abhishek explained.
The issue, he revealed, revolved around continuity. Since Drishyam 3 begins exactly where Drishyam 2 ended, Akshaye’s character couldn’t suddenly appear with a drastically altered look.
“I told him, you can’t be in court in the afternoon and return in the evening with hair. That breaks continuity,” Abhishek said, adding that he initially convinced the actor. However, the concern resurfaced days later — and soon after, Akshaye exited the project.
Money Was Not the Reason, Says Director
Dismissing reports that finances caused the fallout, Abhishek was blunt.
“He’s putting out those rumours. Yes, commercials were revisited, but we worked it out and reached a mutually agreed figure. Once the contract was signed, that’s when all this drama started.”
The director refused to disclose the amount involved but maintained that payment was never the breaking point.
What’s Next for Drishyam 3
Despite the controversy, Drishyam 3 remains on track. The film will see Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, and Rajat Kapoor returning, with Jaideep Ahlawat entering the franchise in a newly created role.
With expectations sky-high and the franchise’s legacy at stake, the makers appear determined to move forward — controversy or not.
Final Words
The Akshaye Khanna episode has clearly shaken the production, but Abhishek Pathak’s clarification brings much-needed clarity. Jaideep Ahlawat isn’t replacing anyone — he’s adding something new. And as Drishyam fans know, every new character in this universe comes with consequences.
