Mumbai-based producer Kumar Mangat Pathak has confirmed that the makers of Drishyam 3 have issued a legal notice to Akshaye Khanna after the actor allegedly exited the film despite signing a formal agreement. The producer said Khanna communicated his decision to opt out via a text message, leaving the team with no choice but to take legal action and recast the role.
Speaking to PTI, Mangat Pathak said the team had been developing Drishyam 3 for nearly two years and signed Akshaye Khanna only after detailed script narrations and multiple rounds of fee negotiations. According to the producer, Khanna was paid the full amount he demanded and was also given an advance after the agreement was finalised, making the legal notice to Akshaye Khanna a serious contractual dispute.
Shoot Hit After Actor’s Sudden Exit
Mangat Pathak revealed that Akshaye Khanna had committed shooting dates till March and that filming had already begun on December 18 at YRF Studios. The production reportedly suffered losses after the actor stopped responding to calls and messages, forcing the makers to act quickly. With schedules affected, the team decided to bring in Jaideep Ahlawat as Khanna’s replacement to ensure the shoot continued despite the ongoing legal notice to Akshaye Khanna.
Disagreement Over Look and Unanswered Messages
The producer also disclosed that there were prolonged discussions around Khanna’s look in the film. The actor had suggested wearing a wig, but the makers felt it would compromise character continuity. Khanna eventually agreed, and the agreement was signed at his Alibaug farmhouse. Mangat Pathak recalled that Khanna had even predicted the film would earn ₹500 crore at the box office.
However, days before the release of Khanna’s recent film Dhurandhar, the actor allegedly sent a message stating he would not do Drishyam 3. Repeated follow-ups failed, prompting the makers to issue the legal notice to Akshaye Khanna last week.
Producers Consider Next Legal Steps
According to Mangat Pathak, Khanna has not responded to the notice so far. The producers are now evaluating their next legal move. Calling the situation disappointing, Mangat Pathak said he had previously worked with Khanna on Aakrosh and Section 375 without any issues, making the current fallout unexpected.
Drishyam 3 stars Ajay Devgn as Vijay Salgaonkar, with Tabu reprising her role as Meera Deshmukh. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on October 2, 2026.
FAQs
Q: Why was a legal notice to Akshaye Khanna issued by Drishyam 3 producers?
A: The notice was issued after the actor allegedly exited the film despite a signed agreement and advance payment.
Q: Who replaced Akshaye Khanna in Drishyam 3?
A: Jaideep Ahlawat was signed after the legal notice to Akshaye Khanna was issued and the shoot was disrupted.
Q: Has Akshaye Khanna responded to the legal notice?
A: As per the producers, there has been no response yet.
Q: When will Drishyam 3 release?
A: The film is slated to release in theatres on October 2, 2026.
