Akshaye Khanna’s exit from ‘Drishyam 3’ has snowballed into a full-blown controversy, with the makers issuing a legal notice over an alleged wig dispute. The role has now been recast, with Jaideep Ahlawat stepping in as the film moves ahead amid the off-screen drama.
Image Source: Instagram
The ‘Drishyam’ film series is known for its suspense and sudden twists. But this time, the drama is happening behind the scenes too. Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak has confirmed that actor Jaideep Ahlawat has joined the lead cast of ‘Drishyam 3’. This comes after reports that Akshaye Khanna exited the film unexpectedly.
The news has surprised fans especially because Akshaye Khanna was earlier believed to be an important part of the upcoming film.
Advertisement
Now, with Jaideep Ahlawat stepping in, the makers say the story will move forward in a fresh and exciting way.
Advertisement
Speaking to ANI, producer Kumar Mangat Pathak shared that Jaideep Ahlawat is not simply replacing Akshaye Khanna. Instead, he is coming in with a new character that serves a similar purpose in the story but with a different presentation.
“We have cast Jaideep Ahlawat. We have added a new character. He will do what Akshaye was doing, but he will come in a new form. We are presenting him in a very good way,” Pathak said.
The casting update comes at a time when a legal dispute is brewing between Akshaye Khanna and the makers of ‘Drishyam 3’. According to the producer, Akshaye had signed the film, accepted the signing amount and committed his dates. However, he allegedly walked out of the project later.
Kumar Mangat Pathak revealed that the production team has sent a legal notice to the actor. He said that if they do not receive a response within the given time, the matter will be taken to court.
“He signed our film, signed the script, took the signing amount, and then walked out of the film. If we don’t get a response, our legal team will take action,” the producer stated.
One of the most talked-about parts of this controversy is the unusual reason given for Akshaye Khanna’s exit. According to Pathak, the actor wanted to wear a wig for the role, which did not fit with the film’s timeline and continuity.
Pathak explained that ‘Drishyam 3’ is a continuation story. The film begins exactly where the previous part ended on the same night. Because of this, there was no time for the character to suddenly have longer hair.
“The film starts at night where the last one ends. How can he grow hair in four hours?” Pathak said. He added that while the actor initially agreed, he later changed his mind again, which led to confusion and delays.
The producer also claimed that people around the actor influenced him suggesting that wearing a wig would make him look better on screen.
Because of the alleged abrupt exit, the makers say they have suffered financial losses. Sets were prepared, schedules were locked, and costs were already incurred. Pathak mentioned that an expensive set was built at Yash Raj Studios, and the sudden change caused damage to the production plan.
“We will demand compensation. There were losses, including the cost of the set and other arrangements. We will also fight for our reputation,” Pathak said.
As of now, Akshaye Khanna has not issued any public statement on the matter.
Despite the off-screen controversy, the makers assure fans that ‘Drishyam 3’ is on track. The film will once again see Ajay Devgn as Vijay Salgaonkar.
Directed by Abhishek Pathak, ‘Drishyam 3’ is ready for worldwide theatrical release on October 2, 2026. The story will move forward within established timeline and introduce new twists that will deeply affect the Salgaonkar family.
The original cast including Tabu, Shriya Saran, Rajat Kapoor will return to reprise their roles.
Advertisement
