- By Aarushi Raina
- Mon, 29 Dec 2025 07:43 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Drishyam 3 has been making headlines, especially after the exit of Akshaye Khanna. What started initially as a rumour was later confirmed by producer Kumar Mangat Pathak, who slammed him for leaving the project despite signing an agreement. Now, Drishyam 3 director Abhishek Pathak has reacted to Akshaye’s departure and even challenged him to try doing a solo film. He also revealed the lead actor, Ajay Devgn’s response to the actor’s sudden exit. He also addressed rumours of Jaideep Ahlawat replacing Akshaye in the movie.
Drishyam 3 Director Reveals Ajay Devgn's Reaction To Akshaye Khanna's Exit
In an interview with ETimes, Abhishek Pathak shared details about his conversation with Ajay and what actually happened. He said, “He (Ajay) left it to me completely. Anyway, it’s more about me, Akshaye and the production. So, I would rather leave that aspect of how we dealt with it out. 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.”
Revealed details that the first disagreement erupted after Akshaye wanted to wear a wig. The director stated, “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."
On reports of Jaideep replacing Akshaye, the filmmaker clarified, "No, Jaideep is not replacing Akshaye. I’m writing a new character."
ALSO READ: 'Jaideep Ahlawat Is Better Actor And Person': Drishyam 3 Producer Reacts To Akshaye Khanna's Exit
Reflecting on Akshaye’s decision to leave Drishyam 3, Abhishek clarified it was not because of money amid speculations. He shared, “Kumar Mangat earlier told us that Akshaye left the film a day before Dhurandar’s release, stressing that it wasn’t because of money matters.”
Amid the exit news, some rumours suggested that Akshaye had demanded Rs 21 crore for the film. Addressing this, Drishyam 3 director stated, “He is putting out those rumours! I do not want to talk about the amount we eventually locked. Yes, the commercials were revisited, but we somehow worked it out and reached a figure that was mutually agreed upon. Then the contract was signed, and after that, all this drama started."
Abhishek Pathak Challenges Akshaye Khanna To Do Solo Film
In the same interview, the director added, “I think it’s just that people around him started telling him that he’ll become a superstar, and he should now look at something which is all about him. So, I wish him all the best, and would say – try to do a solo film now."
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About Drishyam 3
Directed by Abhishek Pathak, Drishyam 3 is the third instalment in the hit Drishyam franchise. Ajay Devgn is set to return to his iconic Vijay Salgaonkar role, along with Tabu, Shriya Saran and Rajat Kapoor reprising their characters. Presented by Star Studios and produced by Panorama Studios, the film is currently under production. The team has wrapped up its Mumbai shoot schedule and is reportedly to commence the Goa leg of shooting in January.
Drishyam 3 is scheduled to release in theatres on October 2.