The production of the highly anticipated Bollywood sequel ‘Drishyam 3’ has been plunged into legal controversy following the abrupt departure of actor Akshaye Khanna from the project. Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak has formally issued a legal notice to the actor, alleging breach of contract after Khanna reportedly accepted a signing amount and committed his schedule to the film before withdrawing.
According to Pathak’s detailed account, the conflict originated from Khanna’s insistence on growing his natural hair for the role, a demand that clashed directly with the film’s narrative continuity. ‘Drishyam 3’ begins precisely where its predecessor concluded, creating an impossible timeline for any significant physical transformation. ‘The day the old film ends, it starts at night, so how will he grow his hair in four hours?’ Pathak questioned, highlighting the logistical impossibility of the actor’s request.
The producer revealed that despite initially agreeing to utilize a wig after discussions, Khanna ultimately reversed his decision. Pathak suggested that external influences might have contributed to this reversal, stating that ‘people around him put it in his mind that by wearing a wig, you will look very beautiful.’
The financial implications of this departure are substantial. Pathak confirmed that sets had already been constructed at Yash Raj Studios, incurring significant production costs. The legal notice demands compensation for these expenses along with other incurred losses should Khanna fail to respond by the deadline.
In a strategic response to this casting crisis, the production team has secured acclaimed actor Jaideep Ahlawat as Khanna’s replacement. Pathak elaborated that while Ahlawat will fulfill similar narrative functions within the plot, his character will be presented ‘in a new form’ with fresh creative dimensions. This last-minute recasting introduces an unexpected element to the sequel’s development.
Akshaye Khanna has maintained complete silence regarding the allegations, offering no public statement or explanation for his departure from the high-profile project.
‘Drishyam 3’ continues its production schedule despite these setbacks, with principal photography proceeding with its stellar ensemble cast including Ajay Devgn, Shriya Saran, and Tabu. Under the direction of Abhishek Pathak, the film remains scheduled for its global theatrical release on October 2, 2026.