Drishyam 3 producer slams Akshaye Khanna over unprofessionalism, says wig demand led to exit: ‘Success has gone to his head’

Akshaye Khanna quits Drishyam 3

• Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak confirms Akshaye Khanna's exit from Drishyam 3
• Jaideep Ahlawat replaces Akshaye Khanna in Drishyam 3
• Producer plans legal action against Akshaye over unprofessional behavior

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Bollywood actor Akshaye Khanna, who is riding on the success of Dhurandhar, recently created a stir after reports suggested that he quit Drishyam 3.

The film’s producer, Kumar Mangat Pathak, has now officially addressed Akshaye’s exit. He called out Akshaye for his lack of professionalism. He also revealed that he intends to sue Akshaye. Additionally, he verified that Jaideep Ahlawat has taken Akshaye's role in the film.

In a recent conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Kumar Mangat Pathak 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.”

The producer added, “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 elaborated, “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).”

Also Read: After Dhurandhar's success, Akshaye Khanna exits Drishyam 3 amidst fee and creative differences: Report

According to Kumar, movies like Drishyam, Chhaava, and Dhurandhar were propelled by their individual lead actors. He also mentioned that Akshaye was unable to have a strong box office debut on his own and had begun to overestimate his fame following group triumphs. He asserted that Akshaye thought Dhurandhar was successful because of him, but he emphasized that the success of the movie was the result of several things rather than just one actor.

Kumar said, “Also, 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.”

Also Read: Akshaye Khanna net worth: Inside the Dhurandhar actor's Rs 167 crore estate amidst humble acting career

“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,” continued the producer.

Kumar Mangat Pathak then revealed the reaction of Akshaye when he read the script. He recalled, “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’ (This is a Rs 500 crore film. I've never heard a script like this in my life).”

Also Read: Akshaye Khanna suffered from premature balding at 19; Dermatologist explains common causes, symptoms and ways to stop hair fall

“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,” he added.

The producer continued, “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).”

The producer further noted, “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.”

Also Read: Jaideep Ahlawat joins Ajay Devgn and Tabu in Drishyam 3, set to play a pivotal role

Kumar concluded, expressing his shock over Akshaye’s demand for a wig and 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?”

Drishyam 3 features Ajay Devgn in the role and is expected to have a gripping storyline, not a remake of Mohanlal’s film.