Digital News Guru Entertainment Desk:
The upcoming Hindi thriller Drishyam 3 — one of Bollywood’s most anticipated releases — has found itself at the centre of a major casting controversy, after veteran actor Akshaye Khanna exited the project just days before filming was scheduled to begin. In the wake of his departure, Drishyam 3 producer Kumar Mangat Pathak publicly criticised Khanna and praised his replacement, Jaideep Ahlawat, calling him not only a “better actor” but also a “better person.” The development has sparked intense debate across the film industry and on social media, with supporters and critics weighing in from all sides.
What Happened: Akshaye Khanna’s Sudden Exit
Akshaye Khanna — who had portrayed a key character in Drishyam 2 and was slated to reprise his role in the third instalment — walked out of the film shortly before shooting was to commence. Multiple reports indicate that creative differences and demands over his character’s appearance played a role in his decision. The producer claimed that discussions about whether Khanna would wear a wig for continuity purposes in the sequel caused friction, with Khanna later communicating his refusal to be part of the project at all.
According to the producer, this abrupt exit occurred about 10 days before the shoot, a situation he labelled both unprofessional and disruptive to the film’s production schedule. Money had already been spent on advance payments to the actor and on costume design, making the timing particularly damaging from a logistics and budgeting perspective.
Producer’s Remarks Ignite Debate
In interviews following the fallout, Drishyam 3 producer Kumar Mangat Pathak did not hold back in his assessment of the situation. In addition to confirming that Jaideep Ahlawat has taken Khanna’s place, he stated that the team had been fortunate to secure Ahlawat, whom he described as a “better actor than Akshaye” and — notably — “a better person as well.” Pathak emphasised his long history with Ahlawat, having previously produced one of the early films in the actor’s career, thereby highlighting a sense of loyalty and belief in his professionalism.
Pathak also alleged that Khanna’s behaviour changed after the success of his recent film Dhurandhar, suggesting that success may have affected his approach to collaborations. He expressed disbelief that a disagreement over something as seemingly minor as hairstyle continuity could snowball into a full withdrawal from the project, underscoring how sensitive and high-stakes film production negotiations can be.
Legal Action and Financial Consequences
Beyond the personal remarks, Pathak made clear that the dispute has financial and legal implications. He revealed that his production company has sent a legal notice to Khanna, seeking compensation for losses incurred due to the last-minute exit. Pathak asserted that the fallout has been costly and that recourse through the legal system is a necessary step to hold parties accountable when agreements are broken.
The decision to issue a legal notice is significant, as it demonstrates the producer’s intent to seek damages or enforcement of contractual obligations — a rare but not unprecedented move in Bollywood when high-profile talent parts ways with projects after commitments have been formalised. Such developments often set off debates about professionalism, contract sanctity, and star power dynamics in the film world.
Jaideep Ahlawat: A New Chapter for Drishyam 3
Jaideep Ahlawat — known for his intense performances in film and digital series — has officially joined the Drishyam 3 cast, stepping into the role originally assigned to Khanna. Pathak’s framing of Ahlawat as both a better actor and better person was intended to reassure audiences and stakeholders that the film’s quality and production integrity remain secure, despite the controversy.
Industry insiders note that Ahlawat’s casting could bring fresh energy and a different interpretation to the character. While comparisons to Khanna are inevitable given the circumstances, many critics believe that Ahlawat’s versatile body of work positions him well to contribute meaningfully to the Drishyam franchise.
Public and Industry Reaction
The producer’s remarks have ignited mixed reactions on social media and in industry circles. Some fans and commentators have defended Ahlawat, applauding his casting and viewing the situation as a positive shift. Others have criticised the tone of the producer’s comments about Khanna, asserting that personal attacks — especially in public forums — are unprofessional and could damage reputations unfairly.
Online discourse illustrates how divided sentiment has become: while some social media users argue that the controversy elevates Ahlawat’s standing, others contend that Khanna’s private and measured public persona makes him vulnerable to being unfairly criticised when real nuance in negotiations isn’t fully known.
The debate also reflects broader dynamics in Bollywood where talent, production houses, contracts and creative control frequently collide — and where public perception often influences future casting decisions and box office expectations.
Impact on Drishyam 3 and the Franchise
Despite the turbulence, the makers of Drishyam 3 have confirmed that filming is underway with the revised cast, and the film remains slated for release as part of the popular thriller franchise starring Ajay Devgn and Tabu. The franchise’s success in previous instalments has set high expectations among audiences, and the production team appears determined to maintain momentum despite casting shifts.
Producers and directors associated with the franchise have reiterated that Drishyam’s core narrative strength — its compelling storytelling and tense family drama — will not be compromised by off-screen controversies. With Ahlawat now on board and principal photography ongoing, the focus is shifting back to the film itself rather than the surrounding discord.
As Drishyam 3 moves forward, the industry will be watching how this episode influences future talent negotiations and the public perception of creative disagreements. Whether audiences ultimately judge the casting change on screen rather than headlines will be an important test of Drishyam’s enduring appeal.
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