Drishyam 3 producer calls Akshaye Khanna ‘toxic, unprofessional’, says Dhurandhar success has ‘gone to his head’: ‘His solo film won’t make Rs 50 cr’

The producer strongly criticised Akshaye saying that “fame has gone to his head.” He also said that Dhurandhar is essentially Ranveer Singh’s film, implying that Akshaye does not have much role to play in the film’s success. He also said that Akshaye’s energy on set was “toxic” when they worked together on Section 375, and called him “unprofessional.”

Akshaye Khanna’s viral moment from film Dhurandhar. (Photo: IMDb)

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“There was a time when Akshaye was nothing. That’s when I made Section 375 (2019) with him. Even then, so many people told us not to work with him because of his unprofessional behaviour. His energy on set is absolutely toxic. Section 375 got him recognition. Later, I signed him in Drishyam 2 (2022). He has got all the big offers only after Drishyam 2. Uske pehle woh 3-4 saal tak ghar pe baitha hua tha (He was sitting at home for 3-4 years before that),” he said.

‘If Akshaye does a solo film, it won’t even make Rs 50 crore’

He further added, “Also, it’s important to note that the Drishyam franchise is fronted by Ajay Devgn. Chhaava is a Vicky Kaushal film along with Akshaye. The same goes for Dhurandhar – it’s Ranveer Singh’s film. If Akshaye does a solo film, it won’t even collect Rs 50 crore 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.”

Kumar went on to claim that the success of Dhurandhar had made the actor arrogant. He added, “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 to his head. He told us, ‘Dhurandhar is working because of me’. He needs to understand that multiple factors worked in favour of Dhurandhar.”

Akshaye Khanna as Rehman Dakait. (Photo: IMDb)

‘Akshaye Khanna demanded a wig in Drishyam 3’

Speaking about what went wrong with Drishyam 3, Kumar explained, that they signed an agreement after a long round of negotiations. After that, Akshaye insisted that he wanted to wear a wig in the film. “He insisted that he would like to wear a wig. But (director) Abhishek Pathak convinced him that it wouldn’t be practical, as it would result in continuity issues since Drishyam 3 is a sequel. He understood his point and agreed to let go of that demand. However, the chamchas around him advised him that he would look smarter if he donned a wig. So, he again requested the same. Abhishek relented and was even ready to discuss this point with him. But then, he informed us that he doesn’t want to be a part of the film at all,” he sod.

Kumar Mangat Pathal said he was “shocked” to hear this and added, “Drishyam 3 begins where Drishyam 2 ended. How can his character suddenly get hair? Is there any technology in the world that can grow hair within minutes?” Kumar also revealed how Akshaye had initially loved the script and even predicted massive box-office numbers, before changing his stance after Dhurandhar went on to earn over Rs 1,000 crore worldwide.

He said that Akshaye had initially loved the script and said, “Yeh Rs 500 crore ki film hai (This is Rs 500 crore film)”. He claimed that Akshaye signed the agreement, was paid an advance, but backed out just 10 days before the shoot.

Jaideep Ahlawat replaces Akshaye Khanna in Drishyam 3. (Photo: Jaideep Ahlawat/Instagram)

Jaideep Ahlawat replaces Akshaye Khanna in Drishyam 3

In the same conversation, Kumar confirmed that Akshaye has now been replaced by Jaideep Ahlawat. “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.”

Earlier reports had suggested that following the success of Chhavaa and Dhurandhar, Akshaye Khanna allegedly revised his fee to Rs 21 crore—a figure that reportedly didn’t sit well with the makers of Drishyam 3 due to budgetary constraints. However, Kumar Mangat chose not to disclose the financial specifics of their fallout.