Jaideep Ahlawat Not Replacing Akshaye Khanna in Drishyam 3, Confirms Director Abhishek Pathak

The makers of Drishyam 3 have finally addressed speculation surrounding the casting changes in the upcoming film. The buzz began after reports emerged that actor Akshaye Khanna had exited the project, triggering widespread discussion about who would step into his role. Director Abhishek Pathak has now clarified that Jaideep Ahlawat will not replace Akshaye but will instead play an entirely new character.

Speaking to The Times of India, Abhishek Pathak said the creative direction of the film has been reworked to accommodate the change without disrupting the narrative continuity.

Jaideep Ahlawat Joins Drishyam 3 in a New Character

Addressing rumours directly, Abhishek Pathak dismissed claims that Jaideep Ahlawat would step into Akshaye Khanna’s shoes. He explained that the film’s script has been modified to introduce a fresh character instead.

“No, Jaideep is not replacing Akshaye. I am writing a new character,” the director said, adding that the story required a rethink rather than a straightforward replacement. According to him, Jaideep’s role will serve a similar narrative purpose but will appear in a different form, allowing the film to progress organically.

Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak had earlier echoed similar views while speaking to ANI, stating that Jaideep would bring a new dimension to the story while handling responsibilities that were originally envisioned differently.

Why Akshaye Khanna Walked Out of the Film

Abhishek Pathak also opened up about the circumstances surrounding Akshaye Khanna’s exit. He revealed that the actor withdrew from the project just days before filming was scheduled to begin, despite having signed the contract in November.

According to the director, key preparations had already been completed. The look was finalised, costumes were under production, and Akshaye had heard and appreciated the full narration. However, continuity concerns reportedly became a major sticking point.

Abhishek explained that Drishyam 3 picks up from where the previous film ended, which made visual consistency crucial. He said it would have been impossible for Akshaye’s character to appear in one scene with a shaved look and return shortly after with a different hairstyle, as it would break narrative realism.

Despite discussions, the creative differences could not be resolved, leading to Akshaye’s exit.

Legal Dispute Adds to the Controversy

The casting change has since escalated into a legal dispute. Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak reportedly sent a legal notice to Akshaye Khanna, alleging that the actor backed out after accepting the signing amount and committing dates to the project.

The notice seeks compensation for alleged financial losses incurred due to the abrupt exit. Production delays, revised scripting, and logistical rearrangements are said to be part of the damages claimed. As of now, Akshaye Khanna has not issued a public statement addressing the allegations.

What Lies Ahead for Drishyam 3

Despite the controversy, the makers have confirmed that Drishyam 3 remains on track. Jaideep Ahlawat’s casting is expected to add intensity to the film, given his reputation for powerful performances. The creative team believes the revised approach will strengthen the storyline rather than weaken it.

With legal proceedings ongoing and production adjustments in place, audiences are now keen to see how the new character fits into the suspense-driven universe of the Drishyam franchise.