Drishyam 3 director Abhishek Pathak has spoken about Akshaye Khanna's surprising departure from the film, citing creative differences as the primary reason. Pathak revealed that Khanna's request to wear a wig for his role was a point of contention, as it would disrupt the continuity from 'Drishyam 2', where the character appeared bald. Pathak mentioned that Ajay Devgn, the lead actor, was fully supportive and left the decision-making regarding Khanna's exit entirely to him. This clarification comes amidst rumors about Khanna's remuneration and his exit just days before filming was scheduled to begin, despite having signed the contract in November. Pathak emphasized that the exit was not due to financial issues. The film will proceed with Jaideep Ahlawat, who will be introduced in a new character rather than replacing Khanna. The Hindi version of 'Drishyam 3' is slated for an October 2, 2026 release, while the Malayalam version is scheduled for April 2026. Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak had previously expressed disappointment with Khanna's unprofessional behavior, even mentioning legal action. The production team had finalized the script, locked the look, and prepared costumes before Khanna's sudden withdrawal. The director also challenged Khanna to attempt a solo film, implying that his decision might be influenced by those around him. The core conflict revolved around creative differences, particularly concerning the visual continuity of Khanna's character.