Akshaye Khanna, known for his compelling performances in movies like the recently released Dhurandhar, has been in the news recently, not just for his acting prowess but also for his unexpected exit from Drishyam 3. While Khanna garners praise for his role as Rehman Dakait in Dhurandhar, his departure from the Drishyam franchise has sparked controversy and drawn attention to his personality and professional conduct.

News of Khanna's exit from Drishyam 3 broke recently, with reports citing disagreements over remuneration and hairstyle choices as the reasons behind his departure. Producer Kumar Mangat Pathak has openly criticized Khanna's behavior, alleging unprofessional conduct and claiming that Khanna's last-minute withdrawal caused significant disruption and financial damage to the production. Pathak even stated that legal action is being considered against Khanna. Jaideep Ahlawat has stepped in to replace Khanna in Drishyam 3, which is scheduled to release on October 2, 2026.

Amidst the controversy, Arshad Warsi, who worked with Khanna in the past, offered insights into Khanna's personality. Warsi described Khanna as a "serious guy" who "lives in his own world" and remains unfazed by others' opinions. He added that Khanna "doesn't care about anything or anybody and lives life on his own terms". These comments seemingly align with Khanna's image as someone who keeps a low profile and is not heavily involved in public relations.

Despite the Drishyam 3 controversy, Khanna is currently enjoying the success of Dhurandhar, where his performance has been lauded by critics and audiences alike. Some viewers have even remarked that his portrayal sometimes overshadows that of the film's lead. Dhurandhar 2 is set to release on March 19, 2026.

Looking ahead, Khanna is also set to appear in Prasanth Varma's Mahakali, where he will play the role of Asuraguru Shukracharya. This film is part of the Prasanth Varma Cinematic Universe (PVCU), joining the ranks of HanuMan and the upcoming Jai Hanuman.