Dhrishyam 3's producer opens up about Akshaye Khanna’s exit from the film: ‘His energy on set is absolutely toxic…’

AFew years agone, the rumour mill around was workings extra time as reports of Akshaye Khanna quitting his much-anticipated role in Drishyam 3 came to light. According to reports, the actor has exited the sequel to the 2022 blockbuster Drishyam 2. The move is said to have followed financial and creative disagreements with the makers after Akshaye's success in Dhurandhar. Now, Drishyam 3 producer Kumar Mangat Pathak has revealed what actually transpired and why Akshaye is no longer part of the film. “He wanted to wear a wig…”Kumar Mangat Pathak began by explaining that the actor was already formally signed on, and that his remuneration was finalised after multiple rounds of negotiation.“We had signed an agreement with Akshaye Khanna. His fees also got locked after a lot of renegotiations from his side. He insisted that he would like to wear a wig. But (director) Abhishek Pathak convinced him that it wouldn’t be practical, as it would result in continuity issues since Drishyam 3 is a sequel. He understood his point and agreed to let go of that demand.However, the chamchas around him advised him that he would look smarter if he donned a wig. So, he again requested the same. Abhishek relented and was even ready to discuss this point with him. But then, he informed us that he doesn’t want to be a part of the film at all,” said Kumar. “His energy on set is absolutely toxic…”Kumar then went on to make a series of strong allegations about Akshaye's conduct, claiming that issues with professionalism were not new.“There was a time when Akshaye was nothing. That’s when I made Section 375 (2019) with him. Even then, so many people told us not to work with him because of his unprofessional behaviour. His energy on set is absolutely toxic. Section 375 got him recognition. Later, I signed him in Drishyam 2 (2022). He has got all the big offers only after Drishyam 2. Uske pehle woh 3-4 saal tak ghar pe baitha hua tha,” he said.“Multiple factors worked in favour of Dhurandhar…”Kumar further addressed what he described as the actor’s perception of stardom following recent successes. “Also, it’s important to note that the Drishyam franchise is fronted by Ajay Devgn. Chhaava is a Vicky Kaushal film along with Akshaye. The same goes for Dhurandhar – it's Ranveer Singh’s film. If Akshaye does a solo film, it won’t even collect Rs. 50 crores in India. Forget the lifetime, if he thinks he has become a superstar, then he should try mounting a superstar budget film with some studio and see who greenlights his film with that kind of budget.Some actors do ensemble cast films and after those movies become big hits, they start thinking that they are the star. That’s exactly what has happened with him. He thinks he’s a superstar now. Success has gone into his head. He told us, ‘Dhurandhar is working because of me’. He needs to understand that multiple factors worked in favour of Dhurandhar,” he said.“I have suffered losses because of his behaviour…”Recounting the initial enthusiasm around the project, Pathak revealed that Akshaye had reacted very positively to the script. “When he heard the script in his Alibaug farmhouse, he liked it so much that he told us, ‘Yeh Rs. 500 crore ki film hai. Maine life mein aisi script nahin suni hai’. He even hugged Abhishek and the writer. Then, we had negotiations, after which we agreed on the fees. We even signed the agreement. He even got an advance while we paid the designer for his clothes. And then 10 days before his shoot, he declined to work on the film,” he stated.Emphasising that the franchise remains unaffected by the casting change, the producer said, “Drishyam is a very big brand. It doesn’t matter whether he is in the film or not. Now, Jaideep Ahlawat has replaced him. By the grace of God, we have got a better actor than Akshaye and most importantly, we have got a better person than Akshaye as well. I had produced one of the first films of Jaideep's career, Aakrosh (2010).”Kumar also confirmed that the fallout has financial consequences and legal implications. “I have suffered losses because of his behaviour. I am going to take legal action. I have already sent him a legal notice; he’s yet to reply to it,” he said.Back to the wigKumar concluded by reiterating his disbelief over the wig-related demand, pointing out the continuity challenges in a sequel like Drishyam 3. “I was shocked. Drishyam 3 begins where Drishyam 2 ended. How can his character suddenly get hair? Is there any technology in the world that can grow hair within minutes?”As of now, Akshaye has not issued an official response to the allegations. The makers of Drishyam 3 are expected to move forward with Jaideep Ahlawat in the role.