Bollywood's Dhurandhar Akshaye Khanna To Face Legal Notice; Drishyam 3 Makers Accuse Him Of Unprofessionalism

Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak has said that Akshaye Khanna has walked out of Drishyam 3 shortly before filming, and that Jaideep Ahlawat will now step into the role. Pathak claimed the sudden exit has caused financial loss and confirmed that a legal case is being prepared against Akshaye over the last-minute decision.

According to Pathak, the dispute started after long talks over Akshaye’s contract, look and shoot schedule. The producer said Akshaye quit barely ten days before the first day of his shoot, forcing the team to adjust plans and recast the part while keeping the sequel’s continuity in place.

Drishyam 3, Akshaye Khanna and Jaideep Ahlawat casting dispute

Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, the producer detailed how the agreement was set up. 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 (director) 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."

Pathak claimed that Akshaye initially accepted the no-wig condition, since Drishyam 3 picks up from the end of Drishyam 2. However, Pathak alleged that Akshaye’s inner circle challenged that decision and pushed for a change, which led to fresh demands over the character’s appearance in the new film.

The producer continued in the interview, saying, "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," he continued.

Drishyam 3, Akshaye Khanna and Jaideep Ahlawat film career context

Pathak also expressed surprise at the wig demand because of how the story is structured. He said, "I was shocked. Drishyam 3 begins where Drishyam 2 ended. How can his character suddenly get hair? Is there any technology in the world that can grow hair within minutes?" Pathak suggested this made the request hard to justify for the makers.

The producer then spoke about Akshaye’s career journey and past collaborations. 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 behaviour. His energy on set is absolutely toxic. Section 375 got him recognition. Later, I signed him in Drishyam 2 (2022). He has got all the big offers only after Drishyam 2. Uske pehle woh 3-4 saal tak ghar pe baitha hua tha (Before that, he had been sitting at home for 3-4 years)."

Pathak suggested that recent hits have altered how Akshaye views the success of ensemble projects. Kumar said, "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 into his head. He told us, 'Dhurandhar is working because of me'. He needs to understand that multiple factors worked in favour of Dhurandhar."

Drishyam 3, Akshaye Khanna and Jaideep Ahlawat casting and legal fallout

With Akshaye stepping away, Pathak confirmed that Jaideep Ahlawat has now joined the cast of Drishyam 3. The producer 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. I had produced one of the first films of Jaideep's career, Aakrosh (2010)."

Pathak added that the fallout has financial and legal angles that he plans to pursue. Addressing the financial impact, Pathak said, "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." At the same time, Dhurandhar 2, featuring Akshaye, is scheduled to reach cinemas on March 19, 2026.

With Jaideep now in the ensemble and legal issues pending, Drishyam 3 moves forward as a direct extension of Drishyam 2, while industry attention stays on Pathak’s strong remarks about Akshaye’s professionalism, the wig disagreement, the legal notice, and how recent hits like Section 375, Drishyam 2 and Dhurandhar shaped this clash.