In a surprising turn in the Drishyam 3 controversy, producer Kumar Mangat Pathak has confirmed that he sent a legal notice to actor Akshaye Khanna following the actor’s sudden exit from the film just weeks before the scheduled shoot. Pathak’s comments, made in multiple interviews, mark a rare and public dispute between a major Bollywood production and a lead cast member.
Producer Alleges Unprofessional Conduct and Contract Breach
According to Pathak, Khanna formally signed the project, accepted his advance payment, and committed to the shooting dates before withdrawing from Drishyam 3. The producer alleged that this decision — made roughly ten days before filming was set to begin — caused significant losses and disrupted pre-production arrangements.
“He signed our film, he signed the script, took the signing amount, signed the agreement, and then walked out. We have sent him a legal notice. If we don’t get a response by the end of the day, our legal team will take action in court,” Pathak said in a statement reported by news agencies.
Pathak also claimed that Khanna’s change of heart involved a dispute over appearance continuity — specifically a request to wear a wig that did not fit the story timeline — and poor communication thereafter. When the producer and director attempted to resolve the issue, Pathak said Khanna failed to respond to calls and messages, which he described as “unprofessional.”
(Source: Gulf News)
Success of Dhurandhar and Conflict Narrative
Industry reports indicate that tensions escalated after Khanna’s role and acclaim in Dhurandhar (released earlier this month), with some of the producer’s comments suggesting that the actor’s recent success may have influenced his attitude toward Drishyam 3. Pathak was quoted as saying “success has gone to his head,” and alleging that Khanna’s energy on set had been problematic in the past as well.
The producer even referenced their history together, claiming that warnings about unprofessional behaviour had surfaced during earlier collaborations like Section 375. Pathak’s comments included criticisms of Khanna’s communication and conduct post-agreement.
(Source: The Indian Express)
No Public Response from Akshaye Khanna Yet
Despite the producer’s statements and the legal notice, Akshaye Khanna has not publicly responded to the allegations or confirmed receipt of the notice. As of now, there is no official comment from the actor’s camp addressing the producer’s claims or the potential legal fallout.
Actor Arshad Warsi offered an unrelated perspective on Khanna’s personality, describing him as someone who lives life on his own terms, though not directly addressing the legal dispute.
(Source: www.ndtv.com)
Impact on Drishyam 3 Production
Following Akshaye Khanna’s exit, the Drishyam 3 team moved quickly to secure Jaideep Ahlawat in a new role, with director Abhishek Pathak clarifying that Ahlawat’s character is newly written rather than a direct replacement. The film — starring Ajay Devgn, Tabu and Shriya Saran — remains on track for its October 2, 2026 theatrical release.
Final Take
The legal notice saga between Drishyam 3‘s producer and Akshaye Khanna highlights how off-screen conflicts can mirror the dramatic tension the franchise is known for on screen. With production now progressing and a new cast member in place, all eyes are on how the dispute unfolds — both legally and in the public discourse surrounding one of Bollywood’s most anticipated films.
