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The “Year of Akshaye Khanna” has taken a controversial turn. Just as fans were celebrating his career-best performances in the spy-thriller Dhurandhar and the historical epic Chhaava, the industry has been rocked by reports of a fallout between Khanna and the team behind one of India’s most successful franchises.
The Core of the Controversy: Why Did Akshaye Khanna Exit Drishyam 3?
According to producer Kumar Mangat Pathak, Akshaye Khanna abruptly exited Drishyam 3 just days before filming began in Goa. Despite a signed contract and advance payment, the producer claimed Khanna’s demands became “unreasonable” following his recent box-office success.
1. The “Wig” Debate and Continuity Issues
One of the most bizarre points of contention involves a creative disagreement over a wig. Director Abhishek Pathak revealed that Khanna insisted on wearing a wig for his character in the sequel. However, Drishyam 3 is designed to start exactly where Drishyam 2 ended. Since Khanna’s character (IG Tarun Ahlawat) was bald in the previous installment, the director argued that suddenly having a full head of hair would destroy the film’s continuity.
2. Alleged Fee Hike Post-Dhurandhar
Reports suggest that following the ₹1,000 crore global success of Dhurandhar, Akshaye Khanna’s team allegedly demanded a fee hike to $₹21$ crore.Producers claim the actor attributed the film’s success entirely to himself, causing friction with the “ensemble cast” dynamics of the Ajay Devgn-led Drishyam franchise.
3. Legal Notice and “Toxic Energy” Claims
The fallout has escalated to a legal battle, with Panorama Studios serving a legal notice to Khanna for financial losses incurred due to the sudden exit. Producer Kumar Mangat went as far as calling Khanna’s energy “toxic” and suggested that the actor’s newfound success has “gone to his head.”
The “Dhurandhar” and “Chhaava” Factor
The timing of this controversy is significant. Akshaye Khanna has arguably become the most sought-after actor of 2025.
Dhurandhar Success: Playing the ruthless antagonist Rehman Dakait, Khanna nearly outshone lead star Ranveer Singh. The film has become the highest-grossing Bollywood film of 2025, breaking records previously held by Pathaan and Jawan.
Chhaava Impact: His portrayal of Aurangzeb in the Vicky Kaushal-starrer Chhaava further cemented his reputation as a powerhouse performer.
Industry insiders suggest that Khanna’s reclusiveness and “no-PR” approach have made him a cult favorite among audiences, which might be clashing with the traditional “studio system” demands.
Jaideep Ahlawat Joins Drishyam 3
In a swift move to keep the project on track, the makers have brought in Jaideep Ahlawat. Director Abhishek Pathak clarified that Jaideep is not exactly “replacing” Khanna’s character but will be playing a freshly written role that maintains the narrative’s intensity.
The Drishyam 3 team has already moved to Goa to begin the primary schedule, with Ajay Devgn, Tabu, and Shriya Saran reprising their iconic roles. The film is slated for a theatrical release on October 2, 2026.
Public Reaction: PR Machinery vs. Artistic Freedom?
Social media is divided over the issue. While some call Khanna’s exit “unprofessional,” a large section of fans and netizens are defending him. Many suspect “negative PR” aimed at bringing down an actor who has achieved superstardom without conforming to Bollywood’s typical marketing games. Supporters argue that if the creative vision didn’t align, an actor has every right to walk away before the cameras roll.
