Akshaye Khanna, who was last seen in Dhurandhar, has been receiving praise for his powerful portrayal of Pakistani gangster Rehman Dakait. His antagonist role has earned him accolades; the actor has no PR and is also not on any social media. Amid this massive success, however, the actor has been embroiled in controversy.
Several reports claim that he has walked out of Drishyam 3 over a remuneration demand of Rs 21 crore following the success of Dhurandhar, along with a request to wear a hair wig. However, producer Kumar Mangat Pathak denied the hefty amount and also mentioned that Akshaye should not wear a hair wig for the scene, as it is a sequel and would look unnatural.
In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, the filmmaker said that Akshaye spoke to him about his look and remuneration and then walked out after signing an agreement. During the interview, Pathak also confirmed that Jaideep Ahlawat is replacing Akshaye in the film.
Akshaye did not quit Drishyam 2 after the success of Dhurandhar
While talking to Bollywood Hungama, Kumar Mangat Pathak mentioned, "Drishyam is a very big brand. It doesn't matter whether he is in the film or not. Now, Jaideep Ahlawat has replaced him. By the grace of God, we have got a better actor than Akshaye, and most importantly, we have got a better person than Akshaye as well. I had produced one of the first films of Jaideep's career, Aakrosh."
He added that in both Dhurandhar and Chhava, Vicky Kaushal leads the films, and he is working because of him.
Kumar Mangat said, "If Akshaye does a solo film, it won't even collect Rs. 50 crores in India. Forget the lifetime; if he thinks he has become a superstar, then he should try mounting a superstar-budget film with some studio and see who greenlights his film with that kind of budget. Some actors do ensemble cast films, and after those movies become big hits, they start thinking that they are the star. That's exactly what has happened with him. He thinks he's a superstar now. Success has gone into his head."
However, netizens refuse to buy the entire fiasco around Akshaye Khanna's alleged unprofessionalism, considering he has been in the industry for years. Many are of the view that this appears to be a forced narrative against him, possibly a paid PR campaign. Several also affirmed that both Jaideep Ahlawat and Akshaye Khanna are fine actors and should not be compared.
A user wrote, "Paid negative PR on Akshaye Khanna by the greedy and exploitative producer."
The second one said, "Then why are you crying? Move on..."
The third one said, "Akshaye Khanna is being targeted by the usual suspects of Bollywood. Dhar's film has damaged quite a few egos. Tragic that we Indians made these insecure losers into superstars."
The one said, "One day, truth will prevail. I will support Akshaye Khanna on social media & stand by what I said. Not for me to judge right and wrong for him. As of now, Drishyam 3 chapter is closed for me."
About the Drishyam franchise
Drishyam stars Ajay Devgn as a man protecting his family from the police after a murder takes place in his house. The first film also starred Shriya Saran and Ishita Dutta, while Tabu played the cop chasing him. Akshaye Khanna joined Drishyam 2 as another senior police officer who reopens the case. While the rest of the cast will return for Drishyam 3, Akshaye will not be a part of it.
Drishyam 3, starring Ajay, Shriya, Tabu and Rajat Kapoor, has now gone on floors. The makers announced the film with a promo video earlier this week. Directed by Abhishek Pathak, the film is slated to release on October 2, 2026.
