Reports have been circulating lately about actor Akshaye Khanna leaving Ajay Devgn's Drishyam 3 over a matter of remuneration and creative differences. It was reported that Khanna left because the producers were unwilling to agree to his Rs 21 crore demand, aside from turning down the actor's suggestion of wearing a wig. It was said that Khanna was trying to capitalise on his renewed popularity after his attention-grabbing roles in Chhaava and Dhurandhar.
Now, Kumar Mangat Pathak, the producer of Drishyam 3, has thrown more light on this development. Here's what he told Bollywood Hungama: "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 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."
Kumar Mangat Pathak further added that in his experience, it's not the first time that the actor had proved difficult to work with. “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 was sitting at home for 3-4 years).”
Calling further emphasis to the reality that a "solo Akshaye Khanna film won't even collect Rs. 50 crores in India", Pathak added: "It’s important to note that the Drishyam franchise is fronted by Ajay Devgn. Chhaava is a Vicky Kaushal film along with Akshaye. The same goes for Dhurandhar – it's Ranveer Singh’s film. If Akshaye does a solo film, it won’t even collect Rs. 50 crores in India. Forget the lifetime; if he thinks he has become a superstar, then he should try mounting a superstar budget film with some studio and see who greenlights his film with that kind of budget. 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.”
As for the wig demand, Pathak recalls being 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?” he asks.
Pathak also remembers Khanna being enthusiastic about the script when he read it initially and even reaching an agreement on the fees initially discussed. However, he pulled out 10 days before the shoot was about to commence. “When he heard the script in his Alibaug farmhouse, he liked it so much that he told us, ‘Yeh Rs. 500 crore ki film hai. Maine life mein aisi script nahin suni hai’. He even hugged Abhishek and the writer. Then, we had negotiations, after which we agreed on the fees. We even signed the agreement. He even got an advance while we paid the designer for his clothes. And then 10 days before his shoot, he declined to work on the film.”
The producer informed the outlet that he is initiating legal proceedings against Khanna, “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.”
Pathak also confirmed the news that Jaideep Ahlawat ("Paatal Lok", "Jaane Jaan") is replacing Khanna. “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).”
Khanna is yet to issue an official statement on the matter.