Mumbai: The much awaited Drishyam 3 has landed in the spotlight even before cameras start rolling, following a major casting change and strong allegations from producer Kumar Mangat Pathak. The producer has confirmed that Jaideep Ahlawat will now fill the role that Akshaye Khanna was initially playing because he suddenly pulled out of the project only a few days before shooting was to commence.
In an open discussion of the situation, Pathak accused Akshaye Khanna of engaging in unprofessional behavior and reported that a lawsuit would also be filed against the abrupt withdrawal, which he says resulted in financial and logistical losses to the production.
What Led to Akshaye Khanna’s Exit
According to Kumar Mangat Pathak, Akshaye Khanna was officially signed for Drishyam 3 after prolonged negotiations. After several discussions, a formal agreement was signed and the fees of the actor settled. The trouble is said to have started when Akshaye insisted on wearing a wig to play the role.
Because Drishyam 3 is a direct sequel to Drishyam 2, the director, Abhishek Pathak, has cited that wearing a wig would cause continuity problems. The actor initially agreed with the logic and dropped the demand. However, Pathak claims that later, after advice from people around him, Akshaye changed his stance and again pushed for the wig.
The director was even reported to be ready to talk more about the issue, yet before a decision could be made, Akshaye told the crew he did not wish to continue with the movie anymore. This decision came just ten days before his scheduled shoot. Expressing disbelief, the producer pointed out that the film starts exactly where Drishyam 2 ends, questioning how the character could suddenly have hair in the next scene.
Producer Makes Strong Claims
In a candid interview with Bollywood Hungama, Kumar Mangat Pathak did not hold back while discussing Akshaye Khanna’s career trajectory. According to him, prior to Section 375 in 2019 and Drishyam 2 in 2022, the actor was unable to secure a job in several years.
Pathak claimed that he had helped Akshaye through a bad time by giving him a role in Section 375, when he was advised by others that he was behaving badly on set. In his view, Akshaye’s attitude might have been influenced by the success of Drishyam 2, which brought Akshaye new recognition.
The producer claimed that Akshaye started considering himself a solo star when the ensemble films are doing well and even takes credit of the success of the recent projects. Pathak stressed that films do not work on a single performance but there are several elements that cause them to work.
Jaideep Ahlawat Steps In
With Akshaye Khanna officially out, Jaideep Ahlawat has joined the cast of Drishyam 3. Confirming the development, Pathak assured that the new casting was guaranteed, that Jaideep was not only a better actor but also a more reliable professional.
Interestingly, Kumar Mangat Pathak had produced one of Jaideep’s early films, Aakrosh in 2010, making this collaboration a reunion of sorts. The producer emphasized that Drishyam is a powerful brand and no individual actor can make a difference in its legacy.
Legal Action Underway
Addressing the financial damage caused by the sudden exit, Pathak confirmed that a legal notice has already been sent to Akshaye Khanna. He added that the actor has not responded yet and legal proceedings will move forward.
Despite the controversy, the makers are moving ahead with confidence. Having Jaideep Ahlawat on board, Drishyam 3 still takes the shape of one of the most anticipated films in the franchise as the behind the scenes drama throws a spanner in the works as far as its journey is concerned.
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