Drishyam 3 Producer Sends Legal Notice to Akshaye Khanna Following Fee Dispute: ‘Success Went to His Head’

Ziya Khan December 28, 2025Last Updated: December 28, 2025

Actor Akshaye Khanna is no longer part of Drishyam 3, with producer Kumar Mangat Pathak confirming that Jaideep Ahlawat has stepped in to replace him. This development follows reports of Akshaye’s sudden exit from the much-anticipated sequel, which has now escalated to legal action by the makers. Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Akshaye Khanna, who portrayed IG Tarun Ahlawat in Drishyam 2, walked out of the third installment. In a candid interview, producer Kumar Mangat Pathak revealed the circumstances behind the fallout. He explained that Akshaye’s remuneration was renegotiated multiple times—three revisions before finalizing the fee. Despite this, Akshaye allegedly stopped responding to calls just days before filming was set to begin.

Kumar Mangat confirmed that Panorama Studios has issued a legal notice to Akshaye Khanna, citing his withdrawal only ten days prior to shooting, which caused significant disruption and financial loss. “We had signed an agreement with Akshaye Khanna, and his fees were locked after extensive renegotiations,” the producer stated.Adding further context, Kumar Mangat mentioned a disagreement over a wig Akshaye wanted to wear for the role. Director Abhishek Pathak convinced him it would cause continuity issues, as Drishyam 3 is a sequel.

Though Akshaye initially agreed to drop the demand, he later reversed his decision after consulting others. The producer also made pointed remarks about Akshaye’s recent career success, suggesting it influenced his attitude. “Some actors do ensemble films that become hits, and then they start thinking they are the star. That’s exactly what happened here. He thinks he’s a superstar now. Success has gone to his head,” Kumar Mangat said. He added that Akshaye claimed, “Dhurandhar is working because of me.

”With Akshaye’s departure, Jaideep Ahlawat officially joins the cast. Kumar Mangat expressed confidence in the replacement, saying, “By the grace of God, we have found a better actor than Akshaye, and more importantly, a better person.”Drishyam 3 is the third film in the popular Hindi crime thriller franchise, starring Ajay Devgn and Tabu. Production is expected to begin soon, with Jaideep Ahlawat taking over the role of IG Tarun Ahlawat. The makers are likely to share further updates in the coming weeks.