Akshaye Khanna's Career Crossroads: Navigating Ensemble Success and Solo Aspirations

Akshaye Khanna's recent exit from *Drishyam 3*, despite a signed agreement, has ignited a controversy, raising questions about the actor's career choices and the dynamics of ensemble versus solo projects in Bollywood. Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak publicly criticized Khanna's decision, suggesting that the success of films like *Dhurandhar*, where Khanna played a supporting role, may have inflated the actor's perception of his stardom.

According to Pathak, Khanna had initially agreed to the *Drishyam 3* project, even praising the script enthusiastically. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. disagreements arose regarding Khanna's insistence on wearing a wig, which the director, Abhishek Pathak, deemed impractical due to continuity concerns. Ultimately, Khanna withdrew from the film shortly before shooting was scheduled to begin. Jaideep Ahlawat has since replaced him in the role. Pathak also revealed that legal action has been initiated against Khanna.

The controversy highlights the complex interplay of factors influencing an actor's career trajectory in the Indian film industry. Khanna, known for his versatile performances in films like *Dil Chahta Hai*, *Race*, and *Section 375*, has often balanced solo lead roles with impactful supporting parts in ensemble casts. While he has delivered critically acclaimed performances throughout his career, consistent box office success as a solo lead has been elusive. This is a crucial point in the context of Pathak's criticism, which suggests that Khanna's perceived market value may not justify the demands he was making for *Drishyam 3*.

*Dhurandhar*, a recent spy action film where Khanna played a Pakistani gangster, has achieved significant commercial success, grossing over ₹1000 crore worldwide. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. the film is fronted by Ranveer Singh, and Pathak argues that Khanna's contribution, while appreciated, should not be misinterpreted as the sole driver of the film's success. This touches upon a recurring theme in the industry: the challenge for actors in ensemble films to leverage their performance into increased market value and more significant opportunities.

*Drishyam 3*, starring Ajay Devgn, is scheduled for release on October 2, 2026. The *Drishyam* franchise has been a consistent box office performer, known for its suspenseful plot and strong performances. The film's success relies heavily on the established characters and the tightly woven narrative, making continuity and character consistency paramount. This context sheds light on the director's reluctance to accommodate Khanna's request for a wig, as it could potentially disrupt the established visual language of the franchise. The replacement of Khanna with Jaideep Ahlawat, a respected actor known for his intense and nuanced portrayals, suggests a focus on maintaining the film's established tone and quality.

This situation underscores the delicate balance actors must strike between artistic vision, commercial viability, and maintaining professional relationships within the film industry. It also serves as a reminder that success in Bollywood is often a collaborative effort, and understanding one's place within an ensemble is crucial for long-term career growth.

Editor’s note: This article was independently written by the Scoopliner Editorial Team using publicly available information.