Drishyam 3 Shocker: Akshaye Khanna Dropped After ‘Wig Demand’ and Ego Clash — Legal Notice Sent

Drishyam 3 producer on Akshaye Khanna exit: ‘Legal notice sent’

The much-anticipated third installment of the blockbuster Drishyam saga just got rocked by one of Bollywood’s messiest behind-the-scenes dramas. Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak has publicly confirmed that actor Akshaye Khanna has been ousted from the project—and it wasn’t a gentle parting of ways. In a scathing statement, Pathak accused Khanna of making “unreasonable demands,” displaying “unprofessional behavior,” and believing his recent success in Dhurandhar was “solely due to him.” The fallout? A legal notice has been sent, and reports confirm that Jaideep Ahlawat is stepping into Khanna’s role. Buckle up—this Drishyam 3 Akshaye Khanna exit saga is more dramatic than any script.

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What Really Happened: The Official Version

On December 26, 2025, Kumar Mangat Pathak—the producer behind all three Drishyam films—broke his silence in an exclusive interview with the Times of India. He confirmed that Akshaye Khanna, who was initially cast as the pivotal antagonist (replacing Tabu’s brother in the original), is no longer part of Drishyam 3 .

“After the massive success of Dhurandhar, success has gone into his head,” Pathak stated bluntly. “He started behaving as if the entire film [Drishyam 3] would be nothing without him. That’s not how we work.”

Pathak emphasized that the decision wasn’t taken lightly but was necessary to protect the integrity of a franchise built on teamwork and humility—values embodied by lead actor Ajay Devgn and director Nishikant Kamat (for the first two films) and now by debutant director Abhishek Pathak for Part 3 .

The Wig Demand and Ego Clash: Details Emerge

According to Pathak, the breaking point came during costume trials. Khanna reportedly refused to wear a specific wig required for his character—a middle-aged, balding police officer—insisting it “didn’t suit his image.”

But the wig was just the tip of the iceberg. Sources close to the production claim Khanna also demanded:

  • A significant pay hike mid-pre-production, citing his “box office pull” post-Dhurandhar.
  • Separate vanity vans and extended call times, disrupting the ensemble shooting schedule.
  • Final approval over his character’s dialogues—unheard of in a tightly scripted franchise like Drishyam .

Pathak countered Khanna’s claim of being the sole reason for Dhurandhar’s success: “He forgets he became famous through films like Border, LOC, and Gandhi, My Father—all ensemble pieces. Even in Drishyam 2, his role worked because of Ajay and Tabu’s foundation.”

Drishyam 3 Akshaye Khanna Exit: Why It Matters

This isn’t just gossip—it’s a seismic shift in Bollywood’s power dynamics:

  • Franchise Integrity Over Star Power: Drishyam has always prioritized story over stardom. Removing a big name to protect that ethos sends a strong message.
  • Post-Dhurandhar Reality Check: While Dhurandhar was a hit, it was a rare case of organic success. Producers are wary of actors misattributing that success solely to themselves.
  • Legal Precedent: Sending a legal notice for breach of professional conduct (not just contract) could set a new standard for holding actors accountable.

[INTERNAL_LINK:bollywood-contracts-and-professionalism] This move may embolden other producers to enforce discipline in an industry often ruled by star tantrums.

Who Is Jaideep Ahlawat? The New Face of Drishyam 3

Replacing Khanna is National Film Award winner Jaideep Ahlawat—best known for Pataal Lok, Raavan, and Jawan. Ahlawat is praised for his chameleon-like ability, intense screen presence, and zero ego on set.

“Jaideep doesn’t need a vanity van—he needs a good script. And he gets that here,” said a crew member who requested anonymity. His casting aligns perfectly with Drishyam’s DNA: substance over style.

Industry Reaction: Loyalty vs. Star Entitlement

Reactions across Bollywood have been polarized. Veterans like Anupam Kher expressed support for Pathak, tweeting: “Respect the producer who respects the audience.” Meanwhile, some younger actors cautioned against “publicly shaming” colleagues.

However, the consensus among filmmakers is clear: in an era where franchises like Drishyam, Tanhaji, and Pathaan thrive on team synergy, individual ego is a liability—not an asset.

What This Means for Drishyam 3 Release Timeline

Despite the recasting, sources confirm filming remains on track for a Q3 2026 release. Ahlawat’s schedule has been cleared, and reshoots for Khanna’s already-shot scenes will begin in January 2026. The core team—Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, and Ishita Dutta—is fully supportive of the decision .

Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale for Bollywood

The Drishyam 3 Akshaye Khanna exit is more than a casting change—it’s a referendum on professionalism in modern Hindi cinema. In a world where overnight success can inflate egos, this incident serves as a stark reminder: no actor, no matter how talented or trending, is bigger than the story. For Drishyam 3, the show must—and will—go on. But for Akshaye Khanna, the real reckoning may have just begun.

Sources

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