Abhishek Pathak has officially addressed the growing controversy surrounding the departure of Akshaye Khanna from the highly anticipated film Drishyam 3, bringing clarity to a situation that has dominated film industry headlines. In a candid series of revelations, the director expressed deep frustration over what he described as a sudden shift in the actor’s professional behavior following the success of his recent project, Dhurandhar.
Pathak suggested that Khanna was influenced by an inner circle that convinced him of his status as a solo superstar, leading the actor to distance himself from ensemble projects. The director did not mince words when he issued a direct challenge to Khanna, suggesting that if the actor truly believes he has reached a new level of stardom, he should attempt to lead a solo film and prove his box-office draw independently.
According to the filmmaker, the relationship soured just five days before the scheduled shoot, a timing that left the production house in a state of chaos. Pathak detailed how he eventually stopped trying to mend the rift, feeling that Khanna was mentally “on another planet” and unresponsive to professional outreach.
The dispute reportedly involved several creative and logistical points of friction, most notably a disagreement over the actor’s appearance. Pathak explained that while Khanna insisted on wearing a wig for the role, the production team refused to comply because it would break the visual continuity established in Drishyam 2, where the character was presented with a specific bald or short-haired look.
Amidst this backstage turmoil, many fans were curious about the stance taken by the franchise’s leading man, Ajay Devgn. Abhishek Pathak revealed that while Devgn was fully aware of the friction, he maintained a strictly professional distance from the conflict. Devgn reportedly told the director that he left the management of the situation entirely in Pathak’s hands, viewing it as a matter between the production house and the actor.
This hands-off approach underscored Devgn’s focus on the integrity of the project rather than getting involved in personal disputes. Pathak noted that Devgn’s primary concern remained the progress of the film, encouraging the team to move forward rather than dwelling on the exit of a single cast member.
The production has since pivoted, officially bringing Jaideep Ahlawat into the fold to fill the void left by Khanna. Despite the legal notices and public fallout, the director remains confident in the strength of the script and the franchise’s enduring appeal. With the Goa schedule set to begin in early 2026, the team is now looking past the controversy and focusing on delivering the film for its scheduled release on October 2, 2026. To know such latest updates, stay tuned to tellyboosters.com Thank you!
