The film industry is buzzing with news about the upcoming release of Drishyam 3, a sequel that follows the successes of Drishyam and Drishyam 2. Starring prominent actors Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, and Ishita Dutta, the film was expected to reunite the cast of the previous installments. However, Akshaye Khanna’s sudden departure from the project has raised eyebrows, prompting producer Mangat Pathak to share his views on the situation.
In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Mangat Pathak addressed Akshaye Khanna’s professional conduct. He recounted past experiences while filming Section 375, where he faced warnings from colleagues about Khanna’s alleged unprofessionalism. Pathak described the actor’s presence on set as “toxic”, asserting that his successful role in Section 375 played a crucial part in Khanna’s subsequent offers, particularly following Drishyam 2. According to Mangat, Khanna was relatively inactive prior to this turn of events.
The drama escalated when Pathak revealed that Khanna backed out of Drishyam 3 only ten days before shooting was scheduled to begin. Despite expressing enthusiasm for the script and predicting that the film could potentially gross ₹500 crore, Khanna abruptly decided not to participate. He previously praised the script and had even signed a contract, along with receiving an advance payment for his involvement, which included costume preparations.
Further comments from Pathak reflected disappointment with Akshaye Khanna’s attitude since the success of Dhurandhar, a film in which Khanna featured. He criticized the actor’s belief in his own stardom, claiming that Khanna suggested the film’s success was largely due to his contributions. Pathak contended that the success of Dhurandhar was a result of collective efforts from the entire cast, including noted actors Vicky Kaushal and Ranveer Singh, rather than due to any one individual.
In his candid remarks, Mangat noted that if Khanna perceives himself as a superstar, he should attempt to back a project with a significant budget in order to truly gauge his standing in the industry. He mentioned that many actors achieve success with ensemble casts, only to develop an inflated perception of their own importance afterward. Pathak’s statements have sparked conversations regarding the dynamics of celebrity and success in Bollywood.
The industry and fans alike may find Khanna’s exit and the ensuing criticism by Pathak indicative of the pressures and expectations faced by actors in high-stakes productions like Drishyam 3. As viewers await further updates, the unfolding drama serves as a reminder of the complexities of collaboration in filmmaking.
What do you think about the revelations made by Mangat Pathak? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments.