Mumbai: The upcoming thriller Drishyam 3 has witnessed a major casting shake-up, with Jaideep Ahlawat stepping in to replace Akshaye Khanna, producer Kumar Mangat Pathak confirmed.
The sudden exit of Khanna, just days before filming was scheduled to begin, has prompted the producer to consider legal action.
Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, Kumar Mangat said the conflict arose over a seemingly minor issue: a wig. "We had a formal agreement with Akshaye Khanna, and his fees were locked after extensive negotiations. Initially, he agreed not to wear a wig for continuity purposes. But later, influenced by his entourage, he requested to wear one again. Shortly after, he informed us that he didn't want to be part of the film at all," the producer explained.
Kumar Mangat also commented on Khanna's career trajectory, noting, "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... Later, I signed him in Drishyam 2 (2022). He has got all the big offers only after Drishyam 2. Before that, he had been sitting at home for 3-4 years."
He added, "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'."
With Khanna stepping away, Jaideep Ahlawat has officially joined the project. The producer praised the actor, saying, "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)."
Drishyam 3, directed by Abhishek Pathak, will continue the story from where Drishyam 2 left off.