What happens when an actor walks out of a major franchise just days before filming begins? Kumar Mangat Pathak is furious and he is not holding back. The producer of Drishyam 3 has come out with shocking revelations about Akshaye Khanna‘s unprofessional behavior and exit from the film. In an exclusive conversation, the reputed producer revealed he has sent a legal notice to the Dhurandhar actor for his conduct.
The controversy has taken the industry by storm as Kumar Mangat Pathak detailed how Akshaye Khanna signed an agreement, took advance payment, and then backed out just 10 days before his scheduled shoot. The producer did not mince words and stated that success from recent films has gone to Akshaye’s head.
The Wig Demand That Created Chaos
Kumar Mangat Pathak revealed that Akshaye Khanna insisted on wearing a wig for his character in the film. Director Abhishek Pathak explained to the actor that it would create continuity issues since Drishyam 3 picks up exactly where Drishyam 2 ended. The actor initially understood and agreed to drop the demand.
However, people around him reportedly advised him that he would look smarter with a wig. Akshaye brought up the request again and Abhishek was ready to discuss it. But then the actor shocked everyone by informing them that he does not want to be part of the film at all. The producer questioned how Akshaye’s character could suddenly have hair when the film begins minutes after the previous installment ended.
Producer Calls Out Unprofessional Behavior
The producer did not hold back while discussing Akshaye’s conduct over the years. He revealed that when he made Section 375 in 2019 with Akshaye, many people warned him not to work with the actor because of his unprofessional behavior. Kumar Mangat stated that Akshaye’s energy on set is absolutely toxic.
The producer emphasized that Section 375 gave Akshaye recognition after he was sitting at home for three to four years. Later, he was signed for Drishyam 2 in 2022, which opened doors to all his current big offers. Kumar Mangat made it clear that the Drishyam franchise is fronted by Ajay Devgn, and films like Chhaava and Dhurandhar are led by Vicky Kaushal and Ranveer Singh respectively.
The Superstar Delusion
Kumar Mangat Pathak stated that Akshaye Khanna has started believing he is a superstar after doing ensemble cast films. The producer bluntly said that if Akshaye does a solo film, it will not even collect Rs 50 crore in India. He challenged the actor to try mounting a superstar budget film with a studio and see who greenlights it.
The producer revealed that Akshaye told them that Dhurandhar is working because of him. Kumar Mangat emphasized that multiple factors worked in favor of the spy thriller, not just one actor. He added that some actors do ensemble films and when those become hits, they start thinking they are the star, which is exactly what happened with Akshaye.
The Timeline Of Events
When Akshaye heard the Drishyam 3 script at his Alibaug farmhouse, he loved it so much that he called it a Rs 500 crore film. The actor reportedly hugged Abhishek Pathak and the writer saying he had never heard such a script in his life. Then came the fee negotiations, after which both parties agreed and signed an agreement.
Akshaye received an advance payment and the makers even paid the designer for his clothes. Everything was set and then 10 days before his scheduled shoot, he declined to work on the film. The producer stated that he has suffered losses because of this behavior and has already sent a legal notice to Akshaye, who is yet to reply.
About Drishyam 3
Drishyam 3 is the third installment in the highly successful franchise. The film stars Ajay Devgn and Tabu reprising their iconic roles. Jaideep Ahlawat has now replaced Akshaye Khanna in a pivotal role. Kumar Mangat Pathak stated that by God’s grace, they have got a better actor and most importantly a better person than Akshaye. The film is directed by Abhishek Pathak and is scheduled for release in October 2026.
Stay tuned with us for latest news, Hindi box office news, Hollywood news, OTT news, latest Bollywood news and latest box office news.
