Bollywood finds itself divided in its opinion of actor Akshaye Khanna, who is currently riding high on critical acclaim for his role in the spy thriller Dhurandhar but is simultaneously facing severe allegations of unprofessionalism from a producer. The controversy stems from his abrupt exit from the highly anticipated sequel, Drishyam 3, just days before filming was scheduled to commence.
Praise from a Co-Star: Arshad Warsi's Take
Amid the brewing storm, actor Arshad Warsi, who has shared screen space with Akshaye Khanna in films like Hulchul (2004) and Short Kut (2009), has come forward with a nuanced perspective. In a recent conversation with Lallantop, Warsi acknowledged Khanna's exceptional talent and his distinct approach to life and career.
"Akshaye is a very serious guy. He has been a brilliant actor since before; there was no doubt about that," Warsi stated. He further described Khanna as someone who prefers to stay in his own world, unconcerned with external opinions. "He lives his life on his terms and doesn't get bothered by who thinks what about him. He has no PR or anybody right from day one, and he has been like this all his life," Warsi added, highlighting the actor's consistent and unconventional stance in an industry driven by image management.
The Producer's Scathing Allegations
This defence stands in stark contrast to the serious accusations levelled by Drishyam 3 producer Kumar Mangat Pathak. Pathak has not only sent a legal notice to Akshaye Khanna for exiting the project but has also publicly labelled him as 'toxic' and 'unprofessional'.
Pathak claimed to Bollywood Hungama that he has suffered significant financial losses due to Khanna's last-minute decision. "Fame has gone to his head," the producer alleged, directly linking the actor's recent success in Dhurandhar to his behaviour. He revealed that Khanna's reputation for being difficult preceded him, recalling that many advised against casting him in the 2019 film Article 375 (also known as Section 375).
"His energy on set is absolutely toxic," Pathak asserted. He credited the success of Drishyam 2 (2022) with reviving Khanna's career, noting that the actor had few offers and was "sitting at home for 3-4 years" before that film.
A Year of Contrasts for Akshaye Khanna
The year 2025 has indeed been one of extremes for the actor. On one hand, his performance in Aditya Dhar's Dhurandhar, alongside Ranveer Singh, has been widely lauded, with many viewers and critics noting that he occasionally overshadows the lead. This performance has cemented his comeback narrative.
On the other hand, his professional conduct is under intense scrutiny following the Drishyam 3 debacle. The legal notice from producer Pathak, sent on Saturday, December 27, 2025, formalises the dispute and could lead to a protracted legal battle. Interestingly, 2025 has also been a successful year for Arshad Warsi, who earned praise for his role in The Ba***ds of Bollywood.
The situation presents a classic Bollywood dichotomy: an actor celebrated for his craft and individuality by peers, while being criticised for the very same traits by a business collaborator. As the industry watches, the fallout from Akshaye Khanna's exit from Drishyam 3 continues to unfold, testing the balance between artistic temperament and professional obligation.
