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Akshaye Khanna became one of the favourite actors of India this year with his portrayal of the gangster Rehman Dakait in Dhurandhar. However, the love that he got brought along with it a fair share of controversy and negativity in the form of Drishyam 3. Reportedly, the reason why Akshaye Khanna left Drishyam 3 included his hiked fee of Rs 21 crore and his wish to wear a wig in the film, both of which went unfulfilled and attracted public criticism from producer Kumar Mangat Pathak.Reason Why Akshaye Khanna Left Drishyam 3The shooting for Drishyam 3 began in the first week of December, followed by the film’s official announcement in the last week of the month, and then this sudden controversy. While did Akshaye Khanna leaving Drishyam 3 was initially considered just a rumor, the same was later confirmed as true. As per reports, the actor put forward several demands in front of the producers that were tough to meet. These demands included a hike in his fee of Rs 21 crore and a wig for his on-screen character. Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak gave confirmation on is Akshaye Khanna left Drishyam 3 project and his demands, as he said, “We had signed an agreement with Akshaye Khanna. His fees also got locked after a lot of renegotiations from his side. He insisted that he would like to wear a wig. But Abhishek Pathak convinced him that it wouldn’t be practical, as it would result in continuity issues since Drishyam 3 is a sequel. He understood his point and agreed to let go of that demand.”The producer continued, “However, the chamchas around him advised him that he would look smarter if he donned a wig. So, he again requested the same. Abhishek relented and was even ready to discuss this point with him. But then, he informed us that he doesn’t want to be a part of the film at all.”About Akshaye Khanna’s Unprofessional BehaviourA very few people know that producer Kumar Mangat Pathak began his career as an assistant to Ajay Devgn. Now, he has blamed Akshaye Khanna for showing an unprofessional code of conduct in this Ajay Devgn thriller in his series of claims. The producer said, “There was a time when Akshaye was nothing. That’s when I made Section 375 (2019) with him. Even then, so many people told us not to work with him because of his unprofessional behavior. His energy on set is absolutely toxic. Section 375 got him recognition. Later, I signed him in Drishyam 2 (2022). He has gotten all the big offers only after Drishyam 2. Uske pehle woh 3-4 saal tak ghar pe baitha hua tha.”Legal Threats for Akshaye KhannaIn his media conversation, producer Kumar Mangat Pathak spoke more about his deal with Akshaye Khanna. He said, “When he heard the script in his Alibaug farmhouse, he liked it so much that he told us, ‘Yeh Rs. 500 crore ki film hai. Maine life mein aisi script nahin suni hai’. He even hugged Abhishek and the writer. Then, we had negotiations, after which we agreed on the fees. We even signed the agreement.”The producer continued, “He even got an advance while we paid the designer for his clothes. And then 10 days before his shoot, he declined to work on the film. I have suffered losses because of his behavior. I am going to take legal action. I have already sent him a legal notice; he’s yet to reply to it.”Are Akshaye Khanna’s Demands Justified?While Akshaye Khanna’s fans may feel that his talent deserves a high fee, the producer clearly doesn’t stand on the same page, as he said, “Also, it’s important to note that the Drishyam franchise is fronted by Ajay Devgn. Chhaava is a Vicky Kaushal film along with Akshaye. The same goes for Dhurandhar – it’s Ranveer Singh’s film. If Akshaye does a solo film, it won’t even collect Rs 50 crores in India. Forget the lifetime, if he thinks he has become a superstar, then he should try mounting a superstar-budget film with some studio and see who greenlights his film with that kind of budget.”Some actors do ensemble cast films, and after those movies become big hits, they start thinking that they are the star. That’s exactly what has happened with him. He thinks he’s a superstar now. Success has gone to his head. He told us, ‘Dhurandhar is working because of me. ’ He needs to understand that multiple factors worked in favour of Dhurandhar,” he said.Who Will Replace Akshaye Khanna in Drishyam 3?During his conversation with the media, producer Kumar Mangat Pathak said that he has already found a great replacement for the role of IG Tarun Ahlawat in another critically acclaimed actor, Jaideep Ahlawat. The most memorable roles of his career include playing a cop in the Amazon Prime Video web series, Paatal Lok.While talking about his casting, the producer said, “Drishyam is a very big brand. It doesn’t matter whether he is in the film or not. 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. I had produced one of the first films of Jaideep’s career, Aakrosh (2010).” Ironically, the thriller Aakrosh also featured Ajay Devgn and Akshaye Khanna in the lead in bigger roles than Jaideep Ahlawat. Additionally, Aakrosh was a box office disaster.More About Drishyam 3 and Akshaye KhannaDrishyam 3 releases in 2026 on Gandhi Jayanti, i.e., 2 October, and its shooting is currently going on. The film will be directed by Kumar Mangat Pathak’s son, Abhishek Pathak.The Drishyam 3 cast features Ajay Devgn, Shriya Saran, Ishita Dutta, Mrunal Jadhav, Tabu, Rajat Kapoor, Kamlesh Sawant, and Yogesh Soman. As for Akshaye Khanna new film releases, the actor will be next seen in Netflix’s thriller Ikka alongside Sunny Deol and the comedy Bhagam Bhag 2 alongside Akshay Kumar. Additionally, he will make his Tollywood debut through the mythological superhero movie Mahakali, playing Shukracharya, the guru of the asuras.ConclusionAkshaye Khanna is known to keep a simple life, hidden from the majority of the public. Hence, allegations of unprofessionalism and legal threats are serious when we are talking about such a highly regarded actor. However, at the same time, his demand to sport a wig in Drishyam 3 seems totally unnecessary. After such a huge controversy, a reply from Akshaye Khanna or his team is awaited. Stay tuned to Inside Box Office for future updates on Drishyam 3, its release date, and box office collection, along with Akshaye Khanna new film releases.
People Also Ask – Drishyam 3
Who is the new cast of Drishyam 3?
The cast of Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam 3 consists of Devgn himself alongside Shriya Saran, Ishita Dutta, Mrunal Jadhav, Tabu, Rajat Kapoor, and Akshaye Khanna in lead roles.
What is the release date of Drishyam 3?
Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam 3 will be released in theaters on 2 October 2026. After its theatrical release, the film will start streaming on OTT from 27 November 2026.
Who is the villain of Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam 3 film?
The villains of Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam 3 are played by Tabu and Akshaye Khanna.
What is the budget of Dhurandhar?
The Dhurandhar movie budget is approximately Rs 280 crore.
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