Drishyam 3 In Trouble As Producer Claims Akshaye Khanna Disappeared Without Closure

The official announcement of Drishyam 3 , the final instalment of the popular thriller franchise, was unexpectedly overshadowed by Akshaye Khanna ’s sudden exit from the film. The development created an unusual roadblock for the project and disrupted its production timeline.

Khanna, who has been receiving praise for his role in Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar, reportedly had disagreements related to his look and remuneration in Drishyam 3. The situation escalated just weeks before filming was set to begin.

Producer Confirms Creative And Financial Differences

Drishyam producer Kumar Mangat Pathak of Panorama Studios addressed the controversy in multiple interviews. Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, he confirmed long-standing speculation that Akshaye Khanna clashed with director Abhishek Pathak over creative choices and payment terms.

“It doesn’t matter whether he is in the film or not,” Pathak said, downplaying the impact of the actor’s departure on the franchise.

Exit Came Just Before Dhurandhar Release

In a separate interview with The Times of India (TOI), Pathak revealed that Khanna walked out of Drishyam 3 just a day before the release of Dhurandhar on December 5. The decision, he said, came as a shock, especially since the actor had earlier shown great enthusiasm for the project.

According to the producer, Khanna had been impressed with the narration and had even hugged the director after the script session, confidently predicting that the film would cross the ₹500 crore mark. Pathak also stated that the actor was paid an advance after his remuneration was finalised through multiple rounds of discussion.

Producer Claims Actor Went Incommunicado

Despite the apparent agreement, the producer said that less than two weeks before shooting was scheduled to begin, he received a message from Khanna stating that he was leaving the film. Attempts to contact the actor afterward were unsuccessful.

“At least walk out graciously. How can you not respond to calls and messages?” Pathak said, expressing his frustration.

Jaideep Ahlawat Steps In

Following Khanna’s exit, Panorama Studios moved quickly to secure a replacement. Pathak confirmed that Jaideep Ahlawat will now take over the role in Drishyam 3.

“Drishyam is a very big brand. It doesn’t matter whether he is in the film or not. Now, Jaideep Ahlawat has replaced him,” he told Bollywood Hungama.

He further added, “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,” noting that he had produced one of Jaideep’s early films, Aakrosh.

Legal Notice Sent Amid Fallout

Addressing the issue in an interview with NDTV, Pathak denied claims that money was the sole reason behind the fallout. He stated that Akshaye Khanna’s remuneration had been negotiated three times and that creative disagreements—particularly over the hairstyle of his character, IG Tarun Ahlawatvalso played a role.

Pathak alleged that the actor eventually stopped responding altogether, forcing the production house to take legal steps. “I have suffered losses because of Akshaye Khanna’s behaviour. I am going to take legal action. I have already sent him a legal notice; he’s yet to reply to it,” he told Bollywood Hungama.

Drishyam 3 Release Date Locked

Despite the turbulence, Drishyam 3 remains on track for release. The film, starring Ajay Devgn, Shriya Saran, Tabu, and Rajat Kapoor, is scheduled to hit theatres on October 2, 2026, marking the conclusion of one of Hindi cinema’s most successful thriller franchises.