Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak Speaks Out
Film producer Kumar Mangat Pathak confirmed on Saturday that a legal notice has been served to actor Akshaye Khanna for allegedly breaching the agreement for the upcoming film, Drishyam 3. The producer stated that Khanna refused to participate in the project, communicating his decision through a text message.
Mangat Pathak revealed that the actor had signed the contract last month and had also received an advance payment. Due to the delay in filming, the team decided to rope in Jaideep Ahlawat on Friday to ensure the shoot could continue without further disruption.
Film Details and Production Team
Drishyam 3, written and directed by Abhishek Pathak, is presented by Star Studio18 and produced by Alok Jain, Ajit Andhare, Kumar Mangat Pathak, and Abhishek Pathak. The film stars Ajay Devgn as Vijay Salgaonkar, with Tabu reprising her role as former cop Meera Deshmukh.
In the previous installment, Drishyam 2, Khanna portrayed IG Tarun Ahlawat, investigating the murder of Meera’s son, Sam.
Agreement and Dispute Details
Mangat Pathak explained that the team had been developing Drishyam 3 for two years, with Khanna fully aware of the project. “We narrated the script to him, and he liked it. We negotiated his fee three times before signing the agreement and provided the agreed signing amount,” the producer said.
He added that the actor’s fee was three times higher than what he earned in Drishyam 2, although the exact sum was not disclosed.
Issues with Khanna’s Commitment
The dispute escalated when Khanna allegedly refused to proceed with the film just a day or two before the release of his other project, Dhurandhar. Mangat Pathak claimed, “He sent a message saying, ‘I’m not doing the film,’ and stopped responding to our calls and messages.”
Despite sending a legal notice, Khanna has yet to respond. The notice reportedly demanded compliance with the signed agreement and warned of potential court action if ignored.
Disagreements Over Appearance
The producer mentioned that Khanna had previously raised concerns over his on-screen appearance, including requests to wear a wig. “We explained that a new look would not suit his character. After discussions, he agreed, and the agreement was signed at his farmhouse in Alibaug,” Mangat Pathak said.
Financial and Scheduling Impact
The work on Khanna’s look and costumes was already completed, and filming had begun on December 18 at YRF Studios. The producer emphasized the losses incurred due to the actor’s withdrawal, which led to Jaideep Ahlawat being cast as a replacement.
Past Collaborations and Industry Insights
Mangat Pathak, a veteran of nearly five decades in the industry, described the situation as disappointing. Having collaborated with Khanna on Aakrosh and Section 375, the producer noted that there were never prior disagreements.
He also speculated that Khanna’s growing media presence and the success of Dhurandhar may have influenced his decision.
Release Date
Drishyam 3 is scheduled for theatrical release on October 2, 2026.
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