Akshaye Khanna Exits Drishyam 3; Makers to Take Legal Action, Jaideep Ahlawat Roped In
Akshaye Khanna’s sudden exit from Drishyam 3 has triggered intense discussion within the film industry. While reports initially suggested remuneration disagreements, the film’s producers have now confirmed that the matter has escalated further, with legal action being considered against the actor.
Producers Confirm Legal Route
Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak has stated that the production house is preparing to send a legal notice to Akshaye Khanna following his exit from the third instalment of the Drishyam franchise. Speaking to NDTV, Pathak confirmed that Jaideep Ahlawat has been signed on as Khanna’s replacement.
The producer indicated that the decision was not taken lightly and came after prolonged discussions that failed to reach a resolution.
Why Akshaye Khanna Walked Away
According to Pathak, remuneration negotiations were conducted multiple times but failed to reach a final agreement. After the third round of discussions, Khanna reportedly stopped responding to communication from the production team.
Apart from fee-related disagreements, creative differences also contributed to the fallout. Pathak revealed that there were disputes regarding Khanna’s hairstyle for the role, which further complicated matters.
Earlier reports had claimed that Khanna demanded a fee of ₹21 crore following the success of Chhaava and Dhurandhar. It was also reported that the actor wanted to wear a wig for his character, a request the makers were unwilling to accommodate.
What’s Next for Drishyam 3
Directed by Abhishek Pathak, Drishyam 3 will once again feature Ajay Devgn in the lead role. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on October 2, 2026. With Jaideep Ahlawat stepping into a key role, the makers are expected to rework portions of the script to ensure continuity.
Akshaye Khanna’s Recent Success
Akshaye Khanna was last seen in Dhurandhar, where his portrayal of Rehman Dakait received widespread acclaim. One of his dance sequences from the film went viral, adding to the buzz around his performance.
Released on December 5, 2025, Dhurandhar crossed ₹1,000 crore at the global box office. A sequel to the film is already scheduled for release on March 19, 2026.
Conclusion
The exit of a key actor from a major franchise like Drishyam underscores how financial and creative disagreements can significantly impact high-profile projects. With legal action now on the table, the situation could set an important precedent in Bollywood’s handling of contractual disputes.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople
Creative collaborations thrive on trust and clear agreements. The Drishyam 3 controversy highlights the growing complexity of negotiations in big-budget Bollywood projects, where even established partnerships can unravel if expectations on both sides are not aligned.