hindustantimes
Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak finally broke silence on Akshaye Khanna quitting Drishyam 3. The actor sent his exit notice just one day ahead of Dhurandhar screening on December 5. Jaideep Ahlawat stepped in right away. The film stays on course for October 2, 2026 release.
Script Session Left Him Pumped
Akshaye Khanna showed up early for the Drishyam 3 script reading with director Abhishek Pathak. As soon as it ended he grabbed the director in a tight hug full of excitement. He turned to the producers and declared straight up that this one would blow past 500 crore mark no doubt about it. Team felt his energy and wired the advance payment immediately thinking they had him solid for the long haul.
Dhurandhar Landed December 5
That spy thriller Dhurandhar with Ranveer Singh up front came from Aditya Dhar’s direction. Akshaye nailed his part and walked away with praise pouring in from every corner. Theaters packed it in starting December 5. Then couple weeks later Drishyam 3 teaser dropped on the 22nd. Akshaye talked big about its potential way before opening night even rolled around.
Text Dropped One Day Early
Out of nowhere Akshaye shoots a quick text to Kumar Mangat Pathak announcing he is done with Drishyam 3. This lands exactly 24 hours before Dhurandhar curtains up. Crew had production lined up in under two weeks outfits prepped looks finalized everything set. Sudden move blindsided the whole operation completely.
Pay Disputes Never Happened
Kumar Mangat Pathak shut down any chatter about money troubles quick. Akshaye held out for his complete fee once Dhurandhar buzz hit fever pitch. Producers nodded and settled up without a fuss. Walk away stemmed from something totally different not a single rupee short.
Endless Calls Fell Flat
Right after that text hit Kumar Mangat Pathak started dialing Akshaye nonstop. Texts piled up one after another day in day out. He later vented in frustration how can you ignore calls and messages like that. Total blackout left everyone twisting in uncertainty for days on end.
Producer Hits Back Hard
Kumar Mangat Pathak laid it out plain calling the whole thing unprofessional to the core. He took it further labeling the vibe toxic right from how it went down. Akshaye pulls this vanish act time and again whenever mood strikes he pointed out. Least he could do walk off with basic courtesy instead of slamming every door shut.
Arshad Warsi Steps In Support
Arshad Warsi did not quiet amid the backlash. He called Akshaye the type who charts his own path no bending to outside noise. View stood in sharp contrast to producers fiery take. Online crowds split fast picking teams in the brewing showdown.
Jaideep Ahlawat Fills Gap Fast
Jaideep Ahlawat slides right into Akshaye spot for Hindi Drishyam 3 no time wasted. He tackles that gritty cop figure carried over from part two. Ajay Devgn handed full reins to Abhishek Pathak on the switch. Cameras roll soon keeping momentum alive and kicking.
Dhurandhar Broke Major Records
Dhurandhar did not just succeed it stacked up against SRK giants like Jawan Pathaan and Chhaava. Ram Gopal Varma noted how it shook up directors industry wide. Akshaye strong showing fueled much of that standout box office storm.
Project Pushes to 2026 Finish
Hindi Drishyam 3 nails down October 2 2026 for screens everywhere. Malayalam original wrapped shoot already humming through post production. Ajay Devgn reprises Vijay Salgaonkar once more. Jeethu Joseph hints at twists far from parts one and two playbook.
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