The Drishyam franchise has always been about more than just a simple game of cat and mouse; it’s a brand that represents high-stakes drama and intellectual chess. However, the latest news surrounding Drishyam 3 isn’t about the script, but rather a major falling out behind the scenes.
Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak recently made waves by confirming that Akshaye Khanna is officially out of the project, and Jaideep Ahlawat has been brought in to take his place.
In a series of candid remarks, the producer didn’t hold back on his reasons for the change. According to Pathak, the decision came after a breakdown in professionalism. He alleged that Akshaye Khanna, following the massive success of his recent film Dhurandhar, began making difficult demands regarding his remuneration and even his physical appearance—specifically insisting on wearing a wig that the makers felt would ruin the continuity of his character from the previous film.
Pathak expressed deep disappointment, stating that Akshaye’s behavior had become “toxic” and “unprofessional,” leading the production to suffer financial losses. Things reached a point where a legal notice was reportedly sent to the actor after he allegedly walked away from the film via a simple text message.
The most striking part of the producer’s statement was his high praise for Jaideep Ahlawat. Pathak didn’t just frame Jaideep as a replacement; he framed him as an upgrade. He was quoted saying that, by “the grace of God,” they have found someone who is not only a better actor than Akshaye but, more importantly, a better human being to work with.
Pathak has a long history with Jaideep, having produced one of the actor’s earliest films, Aakrosh (2010). This long-standing trust seems to be the foundation for Jaideep stepping into such a pivotal role. The producer’s sentiment is clear: while Akshaye may have a massive fan following, the Drishyam brand is bigger than any one star, and the production needs team players who are committed to the vision.
Fans are naturally divided. Some will miss the specific charm Akshaye brought to the role, while others are excited to see what a powerhouse performer like Jaideep can do in such a high-pressure thriller. Regardless of the drama, Drishyam 3 remains one of the most anticipated films of 2026, and this casting twist has only added more fuel to the fire. To know such latest updates, stay tuned to tellyboosters.com Thank you!
