Abhishek Pathak Drishyam 3 director shared Ajay Devgn’s reaction to Akshaye Khanna’s unanticipated exit from the film just five days before production was set to kick-off.
In a recent interview he went on to mention Ajay Devgn’s reaction to the entire issue.
Akshaye who had been part of the franchise, reportedly left the film only five days before shooting was scheduled to kick-off regardless earlier contract agreements and preparations being completed. Pathak explained that several creative differences emerged amidst
pre-production, particularly regarding the portrayal of the actor’s character and continuity with earlier instalments.
According to Pathak, the actor had requested to wear a wig for his role in Drishyam 3, although his character appeared bald in Drishyam 2. The director stated that this transformation would not be convincing to the audience, given the film’s tight continuity. Pathak said he discussed and explained this issue to Akshaye and initially convinced him, but the topic resurfaced shortly after. This ongoing disagreement was one of the main points of contention.
Rumours also circulated that Jaideep Ahlawat would replace Khanna in the film. However, Pathak clarified that “Jaideep is not replacing Akshaye, instead a new character is being written for him.” The director also mentioned that Ajay Devgn, the film’s lead, left the decision about Akshaye’s involvement entirely in Pathak’s hands, saying, “He left it to him completely.”
The director also revealed that the film’s contract had been signed in November, with the actor’s look finalised, costumes in progress, and the script narration completed. Notwithstanding Akshaye’s earlier expressing his satisfaction with the story, he ultimately chose to step away from the project. Pathak stated, “He left the film a day before Dhurandhar’s release, stressing that it was not due to money-related issues.”
Addressing reports that Khanna demanded a high fee, Pathak responded that while the actor’s remuneration was renegotiated, they reached a mutually acceptable figure and signed the contract. Then the contract was signed and after that, ‘all this drama started’,” the director remarked, declining to specify the exact amount involved.
Pathak suggested that people around Khanna may have influenced his decision to leave. He commented that the actor was being told
“he will become a superstar” and “do something which is all about him.” Reflecting on this, the director added, “he would say – try to do a solo film now.”
Following several attempts to resolve the issues, Pathak decided to stop further discussions with Khanna and eventually stopped trying to resolve the issue, as he felt there was no point talking ‘to this person right now.’ ‘He’s on some other planet,’ indicating the extent of their creative disagreements.
The director also commented on Khanna’s recent success in the film Dhurandhar. He said that the achievement was a ‘team effort’ and added, “It’s not about one person.”
Drishyam 3, also featuring Shriya Saran, among others, is the last instalment in the popular Drishyam franchise. As the issue persists, the film’s team on Monday headed to Goa for the shoot.
News Edit KV Raman
