Stories
Akshaye Khanna's Drishyam 3 Exit: Dhurandhar Success, Fee Hike, and Wig Controversy Explained
- •Akshaye Khanna's exit from Drishyam 3 resurfaced after director Abhishek Pathak revealed the late casting change and how Jaideep Ahlawat was brought in days before filming.
- •The public learned of Akshaye's exit in December 2025, with reports linking it to creative and monetary differences, specifically after the success of his film Dhurandhar.
- •Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak stated Akshaye informed the team of his departure on December 4, 2025, one day before Dhurandhar's release, despite having signed an agreement and received payment.
- •Pathak claimed Akshaye's attitude changed after recent successes, including Dhurandhar, and that the actor stopped taking calls after stating he would not do the film.
- •A report suggested a wig controversy, with Akshaye wanting to wear one in Drishyam 3, which initially conflicted with continuity as his character, IG Tarun Ahlawat, would have a different hairstyle.
Key Questions Answered
Akshaye Khanna informed the team that he was leaving the project on December 4, 2025, just seven days before a crucial sequence with Ajay Devgn was scheduled to be filmed. The sudden exit left over 200 people dependent on the production stranded, forcing director Abhishek Pathak to rewrite the character and cast Jaideep Ahlawat instead.
No, the producer Kumar Mangat Pathak denied that remuneration was the reason for his departure, stating that Akshaye's fee had already been finalised, his agreement signed, and his payment received. Although reports claimed he demanded Rs 21 crore after the success of Dhurandhar, the producer clarified the issue was not monetary.
Jaideep Ahlawat does not play Akshaye Khanna's original character, IG Tarun Ahlawat. Instead, a brand new character named IPS officer Rajveer Singh Tomar was created specifically for him after the screenplay was rewritten.
