Akshaye Khanna has exited the upcoming film Drishyam 3, leading to controversy and legal action from producer Kumar Mangat Pathak. Pathak alleges Khanna's exit was unprofessional, occurring just days before shooting after a contract was signed and an advance paid. Disagreements over the actor's look and remuneration were cited, though Pathak denies payment was the sole issue. Director Abhishek Pathak confirmed a new character is being written, not a replacement, and Ajay Devgn has deferred to him. Actor Arshad Warsi defended Khanna, describing him as unbothered by external opinions.