Actor Akshaye Khanna is no longer part of Drishyam 3after a public fallout with the film’s producer, Kumar Mangat Pathak, who has now threatened legal action.
Speaking to Bollywood HungamaPathak accused Khanna of backing out of the film just days before shooting, despite having signed the contract and taken an advance.
He alleged the decision caused financial losses and disrupted plans for the third instalment of the popular crime franchise.
Read more: Akshaye Khanna exits ‘Drishyam 3’ after ‘Dhurandhar’ success: Report
“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),” Pathak said.
The Satan producer also confirmed legal steps. “I have suffered losses because of Akshaye Khanna’s behaviour. I am going to take legal action. I have already sent him a legal notice; he’s yet to reply to it.”
He further said Khanna had initially been very enthusiastic about the project.
“When Akshaye 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 said, adding that the actor hugged the director and writer after the narration.
According to him, trouble began over Khanna’s insistence on wearing a wig. While director Abhishek Pathak raised continuity concerns, the actor first agreed, then changed his mind.
Slamming the 51-year-old actor, Kumar said, “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.”
The Runway producer stated, “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?”
Jaideep Ahlawat has now stepped into the role, and the makers say the film will move ahead as planned.
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