MUMBAI: According to an India Today exclusive story, Drishyam 3 producer Kumar Mangat Pathak confirmed that Jaideep Ahlawat will take over Akshaye Khanna’s role in the upcoming film Drishyam 3.
He has accused Akshaye of alleged unprofessional conduct and said he is set to take legal action over the actor’s abrupt exit from the project just days before filming. India Today claimed that Mangat has sent Khanna a legal notice for his behaviour.
Kumar told India Today that Akshaye was signed for the film after extensive negotiations and a formal agreement, but the latter withdrew ten days before his scheduled shoot. According to him, Akshaye initially agreed not to wear a wig for continuity reasons, but later reversed his decision after advice from his entourage and team.
Speaking exclusively to India Today, Mangat opened up about what he describes as a complete breakdown in communication after contracts were signed and payments were made.
According to the Mangat, the actor’s conduct changed dramatically after the success of Dhurandhar, prompting the team to first seek clarity and eventually move towards legal recourse.
“The time given to him is now over. Whatever legal action needs to be taken will be handled by our legal team,” Mangat said, confirming that a legal notice has already been sent. He added that no response has been received from the actor’s side so far. “No, there has been no reply. No response at all.”
Sources who however spoke to GFBT.live said there are backdoor efforts towards reconcillation and it is likely Khanna will see the writing on the wall. Maybe not this film as there were major technical differences, but another project he is open to, said a source close to Khanna.
Mangat, who has worked with Akshaye Khanna earlier, expressed disbelief over how the situation unfolded. Recounting their professional history, he said the actor had been out of work for nearly four years when he was cast.
“When I made a film, Section 375, with him, he had been sitting at home for almost four years. Nobody was going to him. I made films with him, I gave him Drishyam. After Drishyam, I told him that after this film, people will start writing roles for you,” Mangat told India Today.
He alleged that despite signing the agreement and accepting the payment, the actor later backed out. “Everything was done. He took the money from me, signed the agreement, and after that, he turned around and refused.” Attempts to resolve the issue amicably, Mangat said, were unsuccessful. “We tried to speak to him, but he doesn’t take calls. He doesn’t reply to messages. This is an unprofessional way of working,” Mangat told India Today.
The producer pointed out that the withdrawal came after all creative discussions had been finalised and expenses incurred. “Four days earlier, you are hugging the director, praising the film, and four days later, you stop answering calls. I had paid the costume designer, agreements were signed, looks were decided. Money was spent.”
One of the key points of contention revolved around the actor’s appearance, particularly his hair, which Mangat said became a sudden issue despite earlier approvals.
“Everything was discussed and decided. Then suddenly one day he says he wants to grow his hair. Abhishek told him that the film picks up from the same night it ended, where will four hours of hair come from?” Mangat recalled. While the team tried to accommodate further discussions, the actor allegedly stopped engaging altogether. “He said he agreed with us, but later people around him started influencing him again. When the director asked to meet and discuss, there was no response. No calls, no messages.”
Eventually, the actor communicated his decision to exit the film. “Then he sent a message saying he won’t do it,” Mangat confirmed to India Today.
With the project at stake, the makers moved swiftly to recast the role with Jaideep Ahlawat. Mangat sees this as a blessing in disguise. “Sometimes God does things for the good. He is a better actor and a better human being. Working with him will be a pleasure.”
Addressing the perception that Akshaye Khanna’s recent success gave him leverage, Mangat was candid. “When someone’s thinking goes wrong, this is what happens. Let him do a solo film now, then we’ll see how many people come to theatres just for Akshaye Khanna.”
The producer expressed confidence that audiences will appreciate the revised version of the project. “When you watch the film, you’ll be very happy with how we have changed Jaideep Ahlawat’s role and shaped the character. People will say we made the right decision.”
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