MOVIE DESK: ‘Drishyam 3’ Makers Serve Legal Notice to Akshaye Khanna
Bollywood often sees its share of behind-the-scenes tensions, but this one hits hard.
Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak recently accused actor Akshaye Khanna of abruptly quitting Drishyam 3, despite a signed agreement and advance payment.
The fallout came just days before filming was due to start, leaving the team scrambling.
Pathak revealed they had invested two years in developing the project, with Khanna initially enthusiastic about the script.
He even predicted it could rake in massive box office numbers, leading to locked-in negotiations on fees and terms.
Khanna’s Sudden Exit and Allegations
What started as excitement turned sour when Khanna sent a text message backing out.
Pathak tried reaching him multiple times, but the actor went silent, prompting the legal notice.
The producer claims this caused significant financial hits, including costs for built sets and delayed schedules.
Insiders point to creative clashes, like Khanna’s insistence on wearing a wig for his character’s look, which clashed with the story’s continuity.
Pathak also suggested recent successes in films like Dhurandhar boosted Khanna’s ego, leading to demands for higher pay that strained the budget.
Harsh Words from the Producer
Pathak didn’t hold back in interviews, labeling Khanna as unprofessional and toxic on set.
He recalled warnings from past collaborations and noted Khanna’s career lull before Drishyam 2 revived his profile.
“Success has gone to his head,” Pathak said, doubting Khanna’s solo projects could even cross modest earnings.
Despite the drama, Pathak emphasized protecting the franchise’s reputation.
He aims to recover losses through court if needed, stressing the need for accountability in the industry.
Replacement and Moving Forward
In a swift move, the team cast Jaideep Ahlawat to fill the role, with Pathak praising him as a superior choice both in talent and character.
Ahlawat, who worked with Pathak early in his career, brings fresh energy to the ensemble led by Ajay Devgn.
The film, directed by Abhishek Pathak, continues production amid the buzz.
Set for release next October, it picks up right where the last installment left off, promising more suspense for fans.
Industry Reactions and Implications
Social media lit up with the news, as outlets and fans debated the ethics of contract commitments.
Some see it as a wake-up call for better communication in Bollywood deals.
This episode highlights the fragile balance between creative freedom and professional obligations. As details unfold, it could set precedents for how such disputes are handled in future projects.