December 27, 2025 (Ozi News Desk) :- Drishyam 3 producer Kumar Mangat Pathak has confirmed that Jaideep Ahlawat will take over Akshaye Khanna’s role in the upcoming film Drishyam 3. He accused Akshaye of unprofessional conduct and said he is set to take legal action over the actor’s abrupt exit from the project just days before filming.
Kumar explained that Akshaye was signed for the film after extensive negotiations and a formal agreement, but the latter withdrew ten days before his scheduled shoot. According to him, Akshaye initially agreed not to wear a wig for continuity reasons, but later reversed his decision after advice from his entourage.
In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, the producer said, “We had signed an agreement with Akshaye Khanna. His fees also got locked after a lot of renegotiations from his side. He insisted that he would like to wear a wig. But (director) Abhishek Pathak convinced him that it wouldn’t be practical, as it would result in continuity issues since Drishyam 3 is a sequel. He understood his point and agreed to let go of that demand.”
“However, the chamchas around him advised him that he would look smarter if he donned a wig. So, he again requested the same. Abhishek relented and was even ready to discuss this point with him. But then, he informed us that he doesn’t want to be a part of the film at all,” he continued.
Kumar also commented on Akshaye’s career, saying that the actor struggled to find work before Section 375 (2019) and Drishyam 2 (2022).
The producer said, “There was a time when Akshaye was nothing. That’s when I made Section 375 (2019) with him. Even then, so many people told us not to work with him because of his unprofessional behaviour. His energy on set is absolutely toxic. Section 375 got him recognition. Later, I signed him in Drishyam 2 (2022). He has got all the big offers only after Drishyam 2. Uske pehle woh 3-4 saal tak ghar pe baitha hua tha (Before that, he had been sitting at home for 3-4 years).”
He further said that Akshaye’s recent success may have gone to his head. Kumar said, “Some actors do ensemble cast films and after those movies become big hits, they start thinking that they are the star. That’s exactly what has happened with him. He thinks he’s a superstar now. Success has gone into his head. He told us, ‘Dhurandhar is working because of me’. He needs to understand that multiple factors worked in favour of Dhurandhar.”
With Akshaye’s departure, Jaideep has officially joined the cast. The producer said, “Drishyam is a very big brand. It doesn’t matter whether he is in the film or not. Now, Jaideep Ahlawat has replaced him. 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. I had produced one of the first films of Jaideep’s career, Aakrosh (2010).”
