Drishyam 3 Producer To Sue Akshaye Khanna Over 'Unprofessional' Exit From Franchise, Says 'Success Has Gone Into His Head'

Akshaye Khanna has gone viral for his intense and raw performance as Pakistani gangster Rehman Dakait in Aditya Dhar’s blockbuster Dhurandhar. Fans have hailed him as the “performer of the year”, especially after his strong back-to-back performances in Chhaava and Dhurandhar. As he enjoys this wave of success, reports suggest that he will not be part of Drishyam 3. Reports have also claimed that a producer criticised him over alleged unprofessional behaviour.

What Drishyam Producer said about Akshaye Khanna's exit from the franchise?

According to Bollywood Hungama, Drishyam 3 producer Kumar Mangat Pathak has spoken exclusively to the publication. Reports state that the veteran producer accused Akshaye of unprofessional behaviour and revealed his plans to take legal action against the Dhurandhar actor.

Kumar Mangat Pathak reportedly told the publication, “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. However, the chamchas around him advised him that he would look smarter if he donned a wig. So, he requested it again. 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."

Kumar Mangat Pathak reportedly said, “There was a time when Akshaye was nothing. That’s when I made Section 375 (2019) with him. Even then, many people warned us not to work with him because of his unprofessional behaviour. His energy on set is extremely toxic. Section 375 gave him recognition. Later, I cast him in Drishyam 2 (2022). He started getting big offers only after Drishyam 2. Uske pehle woh 3-4 saal tak ghar pe baitha hua tha.”

He further stated that the Drishyam franchise belongs to Ajay Devgn. Chhaava is a Vicky Kaushal film, with Akshaye also part of it. Dhurandhar is Ranveer Singh’s film as well.

The producer further said, “If he believes he has become a superstar, he should try pitching a big-budget film to a studio and see who approves it. Some actors work in ensemble films, and when those films become hits, they start believing they are the star. That is exactly what happened with him. He now thinks he is a superstar. Success has gone to his head. He told us, ‘Dhurandhar is working because of me’. He needs to realise that several factors contributed to Dhurandhar’s success.”

Kumar Mangat Pathak also revealed, “When he heard the script at his Alibaug farmhouse, he liked it so much that he said, ‘Yeh Rs. 500 crore ki film hai. Maine life mein aisi script nahin suni hai’. He even hugged Abhishek and the writer. We then discussed his fees and reached an agreement. We signed the contract, paid him an advance, and even paid the designer for his costumes. However, just ten days before his shoot, he backed out of the film.”

The producer added, “I have suffered losses because of his behaviour. I will take legal action. I have already sent him a legal notice, and he has not responded yet.”

Khanna also has Ikka, an action thriller with Sunny Deol. It will directly release on streaming giant Netflix in 2026.