‘There’s No Point Talking, He’s on Some Other Planet’: ‘Drishyam 3’ Director Abhishek Pathak REACTS to Akshaye Khanna’s Exit From the Ajay Devgn Starrer Amid Blockbuster Success of ‘Dhurandhar’
Since a few days, there have been reports that 'Dhurandhar' star Akshaye Khanna is not a part of 'Drishyam 3' creating a stir online. Reports have also been suggesting that Jaideep Ahlawat will be replacing the actor in the film. Amid all the gossip, 'Drishyam 3' director Abhishek Pathak has finally broken his silence and reacted to the ongoing controversy.
Bollywood actor Akshaye Khanna is receiving much praise for his portrayal of Rehman Dakait in Aditya Dhar's recently released spy thriller Dhurandhar. Amid the film's blockbuster success, the actor reportedly opted out of Drishayam 3 due to creative differences and remuneration issues. Amid the ongoing issue surrounding his exit, Drishyam 3 director Abhishek Pathak has finally spoken out about the controversy. Amid ‘Dhurandhar’ Phenomenon, Akshaye Khanna WALKS OUT of ‘Ajay Devgn’s ’Drishyam 3’ Over Remuneration Differences? Here’s What We Know.
‘Drishyam 3’ Director Abhishek Pathak Reacts to Akshaye Khanna’s Exit From Their Film
During an interview with Bombay Times, Abhishek Pathak clarified about Akshaye Khanna's sudden exit from Drishyam 3 and also clarified about reports of Jiadeep Ahlwaat replacing him. Speaking in detail about Akshaye Khanna's exit, Abhishek said, "All this happened after the contract was signed in November. He left the movie five days before it was going on the floors. The look was locked, costumes were getting made, the narration had happened, and he loved the story."
Abhishek further shared that the disagreement began over Akshaye Khanna's look in the film. My film starts from the point where it ended. I couldn’t have him in the courtroom in the afternoon, and in the evening, he comes back with hair. How is it possible? That was the point I explained and convinced him. A few days later, this came up again, and that’s when we said we will work it out,” he shared.
Is Jaideep Ahlawat Replacing Akshaye Khanna in ‘Drishyam 3’?
Akshaye Khanna first appeared in the Drishyam franchise in the second film, which was released in 2022. He played the role of IF Tarun Ahlawat. After Khanna stepped away from Drishyam 3, reports suggesting that Jaideep Ahlawat would replace him began circulating online. Addressing teh reports, Abhishek Pathak said, "No, Jaideep is not replacing Akshaye. I'm writing a new character."
When asked if the team made further attempts to resolve the differences, Abhishek said, "When he doesn’t have an answer, then he doesn’t know what to say. That’s something very stupid because we have known each other for a very long time. I stopped because I thought there’s no point talking to this person right now, he’s on some other planet. ‘Very Serious Guy’: Arshad Warsi Praises Akshaye Khanna Amid Controversial ‘Drishyam 3’ Exit, Says ‘Dhurandhar’ Actor Lives Life on His Own Terms.
About ‘Drishyam’ Franchise
The Drishyam franchise started as a crime thriller in Malayalam in 2013. The movie, directed by Jeethu Joseph, starred Mohanlal in the lead role. In its Hindi remake, released in 2015, directed by Nishikant Kamat, Ajay Devgn played the protagonist. It was followed by a successful sequel in 2022, solidifying its status as one of Bollywood’s most popular franchises. Drishyam 3 is scheduled for an October 2, 2026, release.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 29, 2025 12:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).