Earlier, we reported about Akshaye Khanna's rumoured exit from Drishyam 3, directed by Abhishek Pathak. The speculation has become more intense as Bollywood Hungama has reported that, one of the film's producers Kumar Mangat Pathak, confirmed Akshaye's exit to it. The producer also said that Jaideep Ahlawat is now part of the film's cast in place of Akshaye Khanna. Notably, the film's production banner Panorama Studios is yet to confirm the news.
The producer said that Akshaye made multiple demands to the film's director for a wig for his character, despite the filmmaker not agreeing to it initially for fear of a break in continuity. According to Kumar, Akshaye initially agreed with director Abhishek's point about the wig affecting his character's continuity, because the film is a third part in the series and serves as a direct sequel. However, the producer argued that Akshaye's obsequious supporters suggested donning a wig for his character, because it "would look smarter" for him. "Abhishek relented and was even ready to discuss this point with him. But then, he informed us that he doesn’t want to be a part of the film at all," the producer said.
Kumar also went on to make critical comments about Akshaye Khanna's lack of professionalism and stardom, arguing that he was 'nothing' when the producer decided to work with him on Section 375 while disregarding his distractors. Calling Akshaye's behaviour 'unprofessional' and on-set energy "absolutely toxic," the producer argued that the actor only received "big offers only after Drishyam 2" and that before it, he was sitting idle at home for a few years. The producer also opined that Akshaye does not have the stardom to ensure a film's box office success. "His solo film would not even earn 50 crore from theatres in India," the producer stated, while noting how Drishyam, Chhaava, and Dhurandhar are headlined by other actors.
He has also claimed that with Drishyam being "a big brand," Akshaye's departure will not affect it, and that Jaideep is better than him both as a person and as an actor.
