‘He Lives Life On His Own Terms’: Arshad Warsi Reacts To Akshaye Khanna’s Exit From Drishyam 3

The announcement of Drishyam 3 has been marred by an unexpected setback, with reports emerging that Akshaye Khanna exited the film just days before shooting was scheduled to begin. What initially circulated as speculation has now been officially confirmed by producer Kumar Mangat Pathak. In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Pathak revealed that Akshaye had creative and financial disagreements with both him and director Abhishek Pathak. The issues reportedly stemmed from differences over the actor’s look in the film and his remuneration. As the controversy escalates with the Drishyam producers sending him a legal notice, Arshad Warsi has weighed in, sharing his thoughts on Akshaye Khanna and saying that he has remained unchanged over the years.

During a conversation with Lallantop, Arshad Warsi said, "Akshaye is a very serious guy. He has been a brilliant actor since before; there was no doubt about that, but he likes to stay in his own world. He doesn’t care about anybody. He lives his life on his terms and doesn’t get bothered by who thinks what about him. He has no PR or anybody right from day one, and he has been like this all his life."

ALSO READ: Drishyam 3 Producer Sends Legal Notice To Dhurandhar Star Akshaye Khanna After Fallout Over Fees: ‘Success Went To His Head’

Both Akshaye Khanna and Arshad Warsi have enjoyed major success in 2025, with Akshaye winning hearts for his performance in Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar and Arshad earning praise for his role as Gafoor in The Ba**ds of Bollywood. Akshaye’s exit from Drishyam 3 grabbed attention after the makers announced October 2, 2026, as the release date, revealing the main cast but notably omitting his name.

Later, producer Kumar Mangat Pathak confirmed the exit and told Bollywood Hungama, "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."

ALSO READ: 'Jaideep Ahlawat Is Better Actor And Person': Drishyam 3 Producer Reacts To Akshaye Khanna's Exit

Kumar Mangat Pathak further mentioned, "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."