In a recent development surrounding the upcoming film Drishyam 3, director Abhishek Pathak has addressed actor Akshaye Khanna’s abrupt departure from the project, urging him to pursue a solo-lead role while disclosing that lead star Ajay Devgn deferred the matter entirely to him.
Pathak, speaking to ETimes, explained that Khanna exited the film just five days before production was set to begin, despite having signed a contract in November. The director noted that the script narration had been completed, the story was well-received by Khanna, and preparations such as locking the character’s look and preparing costumes were underway.
The primary point of contention, according to Pathak, stemmed from Khanna’s insistence on wearing a wig for his role. Given that Drishyam 3 picks up directly from the events of the previous installment, the director argued that such a change would not fit the character’s continuity. Although Pathak initially convinced Khanna to forgo the wig, the demand resurfaced shortly after, leading to the actor’s eventual withdrawal—just one day before the release of his recent film Dhurandhar.
Pathak dismissed circulating rumors that Khanna was to be paid ₹21 crore for Drishyam 3, stating that the actor himself may have spread such figures. He declined to reveal the actual agreed amount but emphasized that complications arose only after the contract was finalized.
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On Ajay Devgn’s response to the situation, Pathak said the actor fully entrusted him and the production team to handle it, recognizing it as an issue primarily involving the director, Khanna, and the producers.
Offering insight into Khanna’s motivations, Pathak suggested that advisors may have influenced the actor by convincing him of potential superstardom and the need for a vehicle centered solely on him. “I wish him all the best, and would say – try to do a solo film now,” Pathak remarked, adding that discussions ceased when it became clear further talks were unproductive.
This controversy coincides with the strong box office performance of Dhurandhar, the Aditya Dhar-directed spy thriller in which Khanna plays gangster Rehman Dakait. The film, also starring Ranveer Singh, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Sanjay Dutt, has crossed the ₹1,000 crore mark in 22 days, with Khanna’s performance and a viral dance sequence earning significant praise. Its sequel is slated for March 19, 2026.
Drishyam 3, directed by Abhishek Pathak and produced by Panorama Studios in association with Star Studios, features Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, and Rajat Kapoor reprising their roles. The film is currently in production and scheduled for theatrical release on October 2.
