Akshaye Khanna has been basking in the success of his recent release Dhurandhar. The film is making headlines and has now become India’s highest grosser of 2025 after it crossed Rs 700 crore at the box office. Khannas performance as Rehman Dakait wowed everyone and left people craving for more. However amid the success Khanna also stepped back from one of his iconic characters IG Tarun Ahlawat in the Drishyam universe. If reports are to be believed it was said that Akshayes fee was the reason for the actor moving away from the project. However producer Kumar Mangat has now responded to the reports clarifying that Akshaye’s fees were never the reason for his exit from the crime thriller. Akshaye Khanna Demanded Change in Looks Kumar told Hindustan Times We had signed him for the fees he asked for. We had even given money to the costume designers and they had begun work on his look. One fine day and this is before Dhurandhar’s release Akshaye said he wanted his character (who was bald) to have hair because people had praised his look. Abhishek (Pathak director of Drishyam 3) said it’s not possible because the threequel of Drishyam begins from the same night as the second installment — 6 ghante ke gap mein toh baal nahi aa sakte. He had agreed then; we have everything on record. The producer further added that Akshaye was influenced by people around him. Aas paas ke chamchon ne dimaag mein daal diya uske ki Dhurandhar ka look aapka achha laga ab se aap ussi look mein kaam karo. Aise thodi hota hai! Har film ka look alag hota hai. What happens is sometimes a side actor is cast in an ensemble. And when the film works he/she thinks the film worked because of them. But a lot of people contribute to making a film a hit. When I had made Section 375 (2019) with Akshaye he had no work for four years. And I had told him that after Drishyam 2 roles will be written for him. We were such good friends; he would come to our office every month and have food with us. Achanak success sar pe chadh gayi Kumar shared. Kumar revealed that Akshaye simply dropped them a text stating he would no longer be a part of Drishyam and then stopped picking up calls. THIS Actor has Replaced Akshaye Khanna in Drishyam 3 Kumar Mangat also revealed that Jaideep Ahlawat has been brought in to replace Akshaye Khanna in Drishyam 3. He added that a legal notice has been sent to the Taal actor as the team incurred financial losses due to his sudden exit. He stated Jaideep is a better actor. The character has been tweaked by Abhishek a little. Pehle wala set tod diya ab set dobara lagega; baaki shoot Jaideep ke saath karenge.