Bollywood actor Akshaye Khanna has walked out of Drishyam 3 following a clash with producer Kumar Mangat Pathak. The departure has sparked controversy, with legal action now looming over the 50-year-old star.
Actor Akshaye Khanna reportedly left the highly anticipated crime thriller Drishyam 3 days before shooting, despite signing a contract and receiving an advance. Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak called the move “unprofessional” in an exclusive statement to Bollywood Hungama.
Pathak stated that Khanna’s sudden decision caused financial losses and disrupted the film’s production schedule.
Reasons behind the dispute
Khanna was reportedly excited about the project initially. Pathak recalled that when Khanna heard the script at his Alibaug farmhouse, he exclaimed, “Yeh Rs. 500 crore ki film hai. Maine life mein aisi script nahin suni hai” and even hugged the director and writer.
Trouble began over Khanna’s insistence on wearing a wig. Director Abhishek Pathak raised continuity concerns, and while Khanna initially agreed, he later changed his mind.
Pathak criticized the 51-year-old actor, suggesting that success had inflated his ego. “Some actors do ensemble cast films and after those movies become big hits, they start thinking that they are the star… He thinks he’s a superstar now,” Pathak said. He further added that Khanna claimed the success of his recent film Dhurandhar was solely because of him.
Replacement
Jaideep Ahlawat has now stepped into Khanna’s role. The producer praised Ahlawat, stating, “By the grace of God, we have got a better actor than Akshaye and most importantly, we have got a better person than Akshaye as well.”
Pathak confirmed he has sent a legal notice to Khanna, who has yet to respond. Despite the controversy, production on Drishyam 3 is set to continue as scheduled.
