The sudden exit of actor Akshaye Khanna from Drishyam 3 has sparked industry-wide discussion, with director Abhishek Pathak revealing the reasons behind the decision and sending a message to the Dhurandhar star.
In an interview with ETimes, Pathak said, “People around him suggested he should now focus on projects that revolve entirely around him. I wish him all the best and would say—try doing a solo film now.” The director added that attempts to resolve the issue were unsuccessful, noting, “I stopped trying because he seemed to be on some other planet.”
Pathak explained that Akshaye left the film five days before shooting began, despite having approved the look, costumes, and narration, and enjoying the story. A major point of disagreement was Akshaye’s insistence on wearing a wig, which the director felt was inconsistent with the film’s continuity.
Currently, Akshaye Khanna is enjoying success with Dhurandhar. Pathak emphasized the collaborative nature of filmmaking, stating, “It’s a team effort—writer, director, actors, and many others contribute. It’s not about one person.”
Drishyam 3 is scheduled for release on October 2, 2026.
With inputs from NDTV