Bhubaneswar: Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak has confirmed that actor Jaideep Ahlawat will step into the role originally played by Akshaye Khanna in the upcoming Drishyam sequel, following a fallout over remuneration and creative disagreements.
Speaking candidly about the casting change, Pathak alleged that Akshaye Khanna demanded a fee hike to ₹21 crore after initial negotiations were completed. He further claimed that despite Khanna’s bald appearance being accepted and even appreciated in Drishyam 2, the actor later insisted on using a wig for the sequel, adding to the friction.
According to Pathak, the fee had already been renegotiated and locked, with an advance payment made. However, he alleged that Khanna’s team subsequently stopped responding to calls and messages, leaving the production in limbo. Expressing strong disappointment, the producer described the situation as marked by “toxic energy” and said the sequel had, in fact, helped revive Khanna’s career.
Following the exit, Jaideep Ahlawat was brought on board. Pathak praised the Paatal Lok star, calling him “a better actor and a better human being,” and expressed confidence that Ahlawat would bring greater depth and commitment to the role.
The core cast of the franchise remains unchanged, with Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran, Ishita Dutta, and Rajat Kapoor all set to return. The film is scheduled to go on floors in January 2026, with a planned theatrical release on October 2, 2026.
The Drishyam franchise, known for its gripping narrative and strong performances, continues to generate significant buzz, with the latest casting development adding a fresh layer of intrigue ahead of the sequel’s production.
-OdishaAge
