Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Dec 27: Actor Akshaye Khanna has reportedly exited Ajay Devgn-starrer Drishyam 3, prompting the film’s producer Kumar Mangat Pathak to send him a legal notice, alleging unprofessional conduct and last-minute withdrawal.

Confirming the development, Pathak said Khanna walked out of the project just 10 days before the scheduled shoot, causing financial losses to the production. “I have already sent him a legal notice. He is yet to respond. I will take legal action,” Pathak told Bollywood Hungama, adding that “success has gone to Akshaye Khanna’s head.”

The producer claimed that Khanna sought to renegotiate terms after the success of Dhurandhar, and also raised demands, including wearing a wig in Drishyam 3, which the makers felt would affect continuity in the sequel. Despite initially agreeing to the script and signing the contract, Pathak alleged that the actor backed out after taking an advance.

Pathak further said that Drishyam remains a strong franchise led by Ajay Devgn, and the exit of one actor would not affect the film. He also criticised Khanna’s past conduct, calling his on-set behaviour “toxic” and “unprofessional.”

The producer confirmed that actor Jaideep Ahlawat has now been roped in to replace Akshaye Khanna in Drishyam 3. “We have got a better actor and a better person,” Pathak said.

Reports had earlier suggested that Akshaye Khanna revised his fee after recent box-office successes, though the producer declined to comment on financial details.