The much-anticipated sequel Drishyam 3 has hit a major roadblock even before its shoot could begin, following a dramatic fallout between its producer and actor Akshaye Khanna. Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak, owner of Panorama Studios, has launched a scathing attack on Khanna, labelling him "toxic" and "unprofessional," and has confirmed sending a legal notice to the actor after he walked out of the project.
A Legal Battle Brews Over Last-Minute Exit
In an interview given on December 27, 2025, Kumar Mangat Pathak revealed the depth of the conflict. He stated that Akshaye Khanna exited the Ajay Devgn-starrer franchise just 10 days before the shoot was scheduled to commence. This abrupt departure, according to Pathak, has caused significant financial losses to the production.
"I have suffered losses because of his behaviour. I am going to take legal action. I have already sent him a legal notice; he’s yet to reply to it," Pathak told Bollywood Hungama. The producer did not disclose the exact financial terms of their disagreement, though earlier reports suggested a fee renegotiation by Khanna, allegedly to Rs 21 crore, post the success of his recent films.
"Success Has Gone to His Head": Producer's Sharp Criticism
Pathak's criticism extended far beyond the contractual dispute. He directly linked Khanna's exit to the actor's recent career resurgence, particularly the blockbuster success of Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar, in which Khanna's performance was widely praised.
"Success has gone to his head," Pathak asserted. He downplayed Khanna's contribution to the film's massive Rs 1,000 crore worldwide earnings, stating, "Dhurandhar is Ranveer Singh’s film." The producer made a bold claim about Khanna's standalone star power, saying, "If Akshaye does a solo film, it won’t even make Rs 50 crore in India."
He recounted their past collaboration on the 2019 film Section 375, alleging that Khanna's on-set energy was "absolutely toxic" even then. Pathak credited himself for reviving Khanna's career, noting that the actor was "sitting at home for 3-4 years" before being cast in Drishyam 2 (2022), which led to bigger offers.
The Wig Demand That Broke the Camel's Back
Providing specific details about the breakdown, Pathak pointed to a seemingly trivial yet persistent demand from Khanna. After signing the agreement and being paid an advance, the actor insisted on wearing a wig for his character in Drishyam 3.
Director Abhishek Pathak reportedly convinced him it was impractical due to continuity issues, as the sequel picks up directly from the end of Drishyam 2. Khanna initially agreed but later reinstated the demand after advice from his "chamchas" (sycophants).
"Drishyam 3 begins where Drishyam 2 ended. How can his character suddenly get hair?" questioned Pathak. He expressed shock when, instead of discussing the wig, Khanna informed them he no longer wanted to be part of the film at all. Pathak contrasted this with Khanna's initial enthusiasm, recalling that the actor had loved the script and predicted it would be a "Rs 500 crore film".
Jaideep Ahlawat Steps In as Replacement
Amidst the controversy, the production has moved forward. Kumar Mangat Pathak confirmed that acclaimed actor Jaideep Ahlawat has replaced Akshaye Khanna in the pivotal role.
Expressing confidence in the franchise's strength, Pathak 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."
This public airing of grievances and the ensuing legal notice marks one of the most contentious fallouts in recent Bollywood history, casting a shadow over the production of one of India's most beloved thriller franchises.
