Drishyam 3 Producer SLAMS Akshaye Khanna For Ignoring Calls, Calls Him ‘Unethical’

The anticipated thriller Drishyam 3 has hit a major roadblock as producer Kumar Mangat Pathak officially confirmed on Saturday, December 27, 2025, that he has sent a legal notice to actor Akshaye Khanna. The producer alleged that Khanna abruptly walked out of the film just 10 days before his scheduled shoot, despite having signed an agreement and accepted a signing amount.

The “Wig” Controversy and Continuity

One of the most bizarre points of contention involves a request for a hair wig.

• The Conflict: Pathak revealed that Khanna insisted on wearing a wig for his character, IG Tarun Ahlawat.
• The Logic: Director Abhishek Pathak rejected the idea because Drishyam 3 begins on the exact same night Drishyam 2 ends. “How will his character grow hair in four hours?” the producer asked, highlighting that the sudden change would destroy the film’s continuity.
• The Accusation: Pathak claimed that while Akshaye initially agreed to skip the wig, he was later “influenced by people around him” and eventually messaged his withdrawal via text.

“Dhurandhar” Success & The “Superstar” Tag

The fallout comes amid the historic box office run of Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar, where Akshaye’s portrayal of Karachi gangster Rehman Dakait has earned him massive acclaim.

• Box Office Boom: Dhurandhar has already crossed the ₹1,000 crore mark globally, becoming the biggest hit of 2025.
• The Producer’s Jab: Mangat Pathak lashed out at Khanna, stating: “Success has gone to his head. He thinks he is a superstar now. If he does a solo film, it won’t even collect ₹50 crore.”
• Past Support: Pathak reminded the media that he supported Akshaye during lean periods, casting him in Section 375 (2019) when the actor was “sitting at home for four years.”

The Replacement: Jaideep Ahlawat Joins the Fray

To avoid further delays, the makers have officially signed Jaideep Ahlawat (Paatal Lok) to take over the role.

• Script Changes: The producer noted that the script is being slightly rewritten to introduce a “new form” of the character to suit Ahlawat’s strengths.
• Cost of Exit: The production has reportedly incurred losses exceeding ₹1 crore due to dismantled sets at YRF studios and the need for new costumes and rehearsals.

Drishyam 3: Fast Facts