{
  "id": 9079401,
  "title": "‘Unhappy’ Drishyam 3 director recalls Akshaye Khanna’s last-minute exit: ‘We had seven days’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/unhappy-drishyam-3-director-recalls-akshaye-khannas-last-minute-exit",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-22T04:01:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express",
    "slug": "the-indian-express",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/drishyam-3-director-akshaye-khanna-last-minute-exit-unhappy-had-seven-days-10888428/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In an interview with Hindustan Times, director Abhishek Pathak of Drishyam 3 shared his experience of dealing with the sudden exit of actor Akshaye Khanna just seven days before the shoot was to begin. Pathak revealed that the crew was \"unhappy\" with the situation, but assured that there was no panic on set. He emphasized that they would not cancel the shoot due to already made logistical commitments and financial losses that would arise from postponement. Last-minute, Jaideep Ahlawat was brought on board to replace Khanna's character. Pathak acknowledged the challenging nature of the task for Ahlawat, who had limited time to prepare and blend into the role. The director also shared that Khanna had been unprofessional and toxic, demanding a wig for a character that did not make sense in the story, and claiming that his energy on set was detrimental.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Director Abhishek Pathak recounts Akshaye Khanna's last-minute exit from Drishyam 3.",
    "Crew was unhappy with sudden departure, but no panic on set.",
    "Jaideep Ahlawat replaced Khanna with seven days left for shooting."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The sudden exit of Akshaye Khanna forced a rushed recasting with Jaideep Ahlawat, adding to the crew's discontent with Khanna's reportedly unprofessional behaviour on set.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}