Sometime back, Bollywood Hungama broke the internet as it exclusively spoke to Kumar Mangat Pathak over Drishyam 3’s casting. The reputed producer complained of Akshaye’s unprofessionalism and also revealed that he plans to sue the Dhurandhar actor. He also confirmed that Jaideep Ahlawat has replaced Akshaye.

Kumar Mangat Pathak told Bollywood Hungama, “Drishyam is a very big brand. It doesn’t matter whether he is in the film or not. Now, Jaideep Ahlawat has replaced him. By the grace of God, we have got a better actor than Akshaye and most importantly, we have got a better person than Akshaye as well. I had produced one of the first films of Jaideep's career, Aakrosh (2010).”

The producer then said, “I have suffered losses because of Akshaye Khanna’s behaviour. I am going to take legal action. I have already sent him a legal notice; he’s yet to reply to it.”

Kumar Mangat Pathak revealed, “When Akshaye heard the script in his Alibaug farmhouse, he liked it so much that he told us, ‘Yeh Rs. 500 crore ki film hai. Maine life mein aisi script nahin suni hai’. He even hugged director Abhishek Pathak and the writer. Then, we had negotiations, after which we agreed on the fees. We even signed the agreement. He even got an advance while we paid the designer for his clothes. And then 10 days before his shoot, he declined to work on the film.”

The producer further stated, “He insisted that he would like to wear a wig. But Abhishek convinced him that it wouldn’t be practical, as it would result in continuity issues since Drishyam 3 is a sequel. He understood his point and agreed to let go of that demand. However, the chamchas around him advised him that he would look smarter if he donned a wig. So, he again requested the same. Abhishek relented and was even ready to discuss this point with him. But then, he informed us that he doesn’t want to be a part of the film at all.”

Kumar Mangat Pathak expressed astonishment over Akshaye’s demand for a wig. He said, “I was shocked. Drishyam 3 begins where Drishyam 2 ended. How can his character suddenly get hair? Is there any technology in the world that can grow hair within minutes?”

Also Read: EXPLOSIVE: Kumar Mangat Pathak BLASTS Akshaye Khanna – “He insisted on a wig, signed an agreement, took advance and left Drishyam 3 just 10 days before the shoot; he has STOPPED taking my calls; success has gone into his head after Dhurandhar…I have sent him a legal notice”

Salman Khan’s 60th birthday bash at his farmhouse in Panvel, on the outskirts of Mumbai, turned out to be a relatively subdued affair. Among the notable guests were cricketer M.S. Dhoni and his wife.

“They stayed for quite a while, and Dhoni even danced to Salman’s songs,” one of Salman’s prominent guests told me on Saturday morning. “The party wrapped up a while ago. In fact, guests are still trickling out, with many staying over at the farmhouse. However, Dhoni and his wife left for Mumbai after the celebrations.”

A director-friend described the party as “subdued but fun.” “There was a lot of booze, but Salman didn’t drink. He kept saying, ‘I can’t believe I am 60. I don’t feel it.’ All of us kept reassuring him that he didn’t look his age.”

Salman’s parents, though frail and initially reluctant to travel, made it to Panvel for the celebrations. Salman’s father, Salim Khan, insisted he was celebrating both Christmas and his son’s birthday—and wore a Santa cap to prove his point.

The turnout was relatively modest considering it was the superstar’s 60th birthday. His fellow Khan superstars, Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, are currently away on their New Year vacations. In fact, Aamir told me he was keen to attend Salman’s birthday bash but had prior commitments.

Noticeably absent were some of Salman’s closest director-friends. Kabir Khan, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, and Ali Abbas Zafar—three filmmakers who have contributed significantly to Salman’s career—were missing from the celebrations. Even Apoorva Lakhia, who is directing Salman’s current project, could not attend as he was reportedly putting the finishing touches on The Battle of Galwan trailer until 2 a.m. on December 27.

Also Read: 12 Salman Khan quotes on his 60th birthday

Since a few days, there have been reports that Akshaye Khanna is not a part of Drishyam 3. Bollywood Hungama also reported on the same on December 26, creating a stir online. Now, Drishyam 3’s producer Kumar Mangat Pathak has spoken exclusively to Bollywood Hungama to set the record straight. The reputed producer complained of Akshaye’s unprofessionalism and also revealed that he plans to sue the Dhurandhar actor. He also confirmed that Jaideep Ahlawat has replaced Akshaye.

Kumar Mangat Pathak began by saying, “We had signed an agreement with Akshaye Khanna. His fees also got locked after a lot of renegotiations from his side. He insisted that he would like to wear a wig. But (director) Abhishek Pathak convinced him that it wouldn’t be practical, as it would result in continuity issues since Drishyam 3 is a sequel. He understood his point and agreed to let go of that demand. However, the chamchas around him advised him that he would look smarter if he donned a wig. So, he again requested the same. Abhishek relented and was even ready to discuss this point with him. But then, he informed us that he doesn’t want to be a part of the film at all.”

Kumar Mangat Pathak added, “There was a time when Akshaye was nothing. That’s when I made Section 375 (2019) with him. Even then, so many people told us not to work with him because of his unprofessional behaviour. His energy on set is absolutely toxic. Section 375 got him recognition. Later, I signed him in Drishyam 2 (2022).  He has got all the big offers only after Drishyam 2. Uske pehle woh 3-4 saal tak ghar pe baitha hua tha.”

He remarked, “Also, it’s important to note that the Drishyam franchise is fronted by Ajay Devgn. Chhaava is a Vicky Kaushal film along with Akshaye. The same goes for Dhurandhar – it's Ranveer Singh’s film. If Akshaye does a solo film, it won’t even collect Rs. 50 crores in India. Forget the lifetime, if he thinks he has become a superstar, then he should try mounting a superstar budget film with some studio and see who greenlights his film with that kind of budget. Some actors do ensemble cast films and after those movies become big hits, they start thinking that they are the star. That’s exactly what has happened with him. He thinks he’s a superstar now. Success has gone into his head. He told us, ‘Dhurandhar is working because of me’. He needs to understand that multiple factors worked in favour of Dhurandhar.”

Kumar Mangat Pathak then revealed, “When he heard the script in his Alibaug farmhouse, he liked it so much that he told us, ‘Yeh Rs. 500 crore ki film hai. Maine life mein aisi script nahin suni hai’. He even hugged Abhishek and the writer. Then, we had negotiations, after which we agreed on the fees. We even signed the agreement. He even got an advance while we paid the designer for his clothes. And then 10 days before his shoot, he declined to work on the film.”

Kumar Mangat Pathak stated, “Drishyam is a very big brand. It doesn’t matter whether he is in the film or not. Now, Jaideep Ahlawat has replaced him. By the grace of God, we have got a better actor than Akshaye and most importantly, we have got a better person than Akshaye as well. I had produced one of the first films of Jaideep's career, Aakrosh (2010).”

The producer then said, “I have suffered losses because of his behaviour. I am going to take legal action. I have already sent him a legal notice; he’s yet to reply to it.”

Finally, Kumar Mangat Pathak expressed astonishment over Akshaye’s demand for a wig. He said, “I was shocked. Drishyam 3 begins where Drishyam 2 ended. How can his character suddenly get hair? Is there any technology in the world that can grow hair within minutes?”

Also Read: Jaideep Ahlawat replaces Akshaye Khanna in Ajay Devgn starrer Drishyam 3

The much-anticipated third instalment of the Drishyam franchise appears to be undergoing a significant casting shake-up. If industry buzz is to be believed, Akshaye Khanna has exited Drishyam 3, and the makers have roped in Jaideep Ahlawat as his replacement in the Ajay Devgn-led thriller.

Not too long ago, reports had hinted at possible issues between Akshaye Khanna and the makers of Drishyam 3. While there was no official confirmation at the time, the latest developments suggest that the actor has indeed stepped away from the project. Reports now claim that Jaideep Ahlawat, who has been receiving widespread appreciation for his performances in Pataal Lok Season 2 and The Family Man Season 3, has been finalised to take his place.

Akshaye Khanna has been enjoying a strong resurgence at the box office, thanks to back-to-back projects where he portrayed layered, grey characters. He was recently seen as Aurangzeb in Chhaava and followed it up with a pivotal role in the recently released Dhurandhar. The latter, in particular, has reportedly performed exceptionally well at the box office, drawing both critical acclaim and audience appreciation for Khanna’s performance. According to industry sources, this renewed success may have prompted the actor to revise his remuneration.

Insiders suggest that the differences between Akshaye Khanna and the Drishyam 3 team were primarily related to fees, along with certain creative disagreements. However, it is worth noting that neither the actor nor the filmmakers have issued any official statement addressing these claims so far.

With Jaideep Ahlawat now said to be on board, the makers seem keen on maintaining the franchise’s tradition of introducing formidable new characters. Akshaye Khanna had joined Drishyam 2 as IG Tarun Ahlawat, a character that was not part of the original film and played a crucial role in elevating the narrative stakes. Now it is believed that Jaideep’s character in Drishyam 3 is also likely to be introduced afresh, rather than being a direct continuation of Khanna’s role.

Given Jaideep Ahlawat’s track record of portraying intense, morally complex characters, expectations are high regarding how his presence could add a new dimension to the suspense drama. While an official announcement is awaited, this casting change has already sparked considerable curiosity around Drishyam 3, which remains one of the most awaited Bollywood sequels in the pipeline.

Also Read: Rajat Kapoor gets honest about his limited role in the Drishyam franchise: “There’s no arc, I’m still standing behind Tabu”

Mumbai doesn’t hand out its biggest “respect signals” casually. And when the Bandra-Worli Sea Link, one of the city’s most iconic, most visible landmarks, glows with a tribute, it instantly becomes more than just a birthday wish. It becomes a statement.

On the eve of Salman Khan turning 60 tomorrow (December 27), Being Human has put up a striking, larger-than-life salute at the Sea Link, turning the nightly skyline into a celebration of a man who has remained a constant in India’s pop culture for decades. In a city where stars come and go with Friday box office swings, Salman has built something rarer: longevity that feels personal to generations, across single screens, multiplexes, and now the social-media age.

What makes this moment especially notable is the venue itself. The Sea Link isn’t just a bridge—it’s Mumbai’s postcard, a symbol of the city’s pace and pride. Very few initiatives or messages get honoured in this manner at this location, and that scarcity is precisely what elevates the gesture. When a tribute appears here, it’s because it’s meant to be seen, remembered, and talked about by commuters, by fans, and by the city at large.

For Salman Khan, the tribute also fits the larger picture. Being Human has long been associated with philanthropy and public impact, and this Sea Link moment blends stardom with that identity: a reminder that beyond the superstar image is a brand and a presence that has extended into social work, youth aspiration, and cultural influence.

At 60, Salman Khan isn’t just being wished. He’s being showcased on Mumbai’s biggest canvas. And that, in itself, is an achievement very few ever receive.

Also, all eyes are now on Salman Khan’s next big-screen move. The superstar is set to headline Battle Of Galwan, and going by the buzz, the teaser is expected to drop on his birthday, making December 27 not just a landmark personal milestone, but also a date that could double up as the next major announcement moment for fans. If that teaser arrives as expected, it will be the perfect one-two punch: Mumbai’s skyline celebrating the man, and the man returning the love by unveiling a glimpse of what’s next.

Also Read: 12 Salman Khan quotes on his 60th birthday

The comic caper Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2, starring Kapil Sharma, managed to get a near-unanimous positive reaction from the audience. The film was appreciated for Kapil's performances and also for its jokes that landed well, a rarity in today's times. A few hours ago, the makers of the film announced that ‘its theatrical run was impacted by limited screen availability due to ongoing multiplex takeovers by other releases’. Hence, it’ll be withdrawn from cinemas and will be re-released in January 2026.

Bollywood Hungama spoke exclusively with Ratan Jain of Venus Worldwide Entertainment. He also categorically made it clear, “I am not blaming anybody. If the other film is working well, they would obviously not want to reduce their shows. Yeh unka haq hai. I am not blaming the multiplexes either, as they were justified in their stand. They will always support a big film or one that is excelling successfully.”

When asked about the exact date for the re-release in January 2026, Ratan Jain said, “By Monday or Tuesday, I’ll announce the date.”

Besides Kapil Sharma, Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 starred Manjot Singh, Hira Warina, Tridha Choudhary, Parul Gulati, Ayesha Khan, Akhilendra Mishra, Vipin Sharma, Sushant Singh, Jamie Lever, Smita Jaykar, Supriya Shukla and the late Asrani. Written and directed by Anukalp Goswami, it tells the story of a man who dreams of marrying his girlfriend. But he ends up marrying three women three times, while his girlfriend disappears.

Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 is presented by Star Studio18 and Venus Worldwide Entertainment in association with Abbas Mustan Films Production, and is produced by Ratan Jain, Ganesh Jain and Abbas-Mustan.

The original film, Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon (2015), was directed by Abbas-Mustan. In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Anukalp Goswami said, “I expressed the desire to direct the film. They supported me fully…When the film went on floors, Abbas-Mustan and their brother and editor Hussain bhai (Hussain A Burmawala) were present. The trio told me, ‘Tujhe kisi cheez ki tension lene ki zaroorat nahin hai’. They also provided me with a great team. Thanks to these efforts, we were able to deliver a fine product.”

Also Read: Kapil Sharma’s Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 set for re-release in January 2026

Veteran actor Mithun Chakraborty has set social media abuzz with remarks hinting that Shah Rukh Khan could appear alongside Rajinikanth in the upcoming Tamil film Jailer 2, slated for a June 2026 release. In a recent interview, Chakraborty not only confirmed parts of the star-studded cast but also described his own role in the film, a sequel to Rajinikanth’s 2023 blockbuster Jailer.

While speaking with Siti Cinema, Chakraborty remarked that his next project was Jailer 2, “where everybody is against me.” He went on to list several prominent actors, saying, “Rajinikanth, Mohanlal, Shah Rukh Khan, Ramya Krishnan, Shiva Rajkumar, all their characters are against me.”

If true, this would mark the first time Shah Rukh Khan and Rajinikanth share screen space in a theatrical film. Though both superstars appeared in the 2011 movie Ra.One — in which Rajinikanth’s character Chitti from Enthiran was featured — they never directly acted opposite each other. Fans have been eagerly awaiting an official collaboration between the two icons, and Chakraborty’s comments have reignited excitement.

Directed by Nelson Dilipkumar and produced by Sun Pictures, Jailer 2 reunites Rajinikanth with his 2023 co-star Ramya Krishnan. Earlier reports and actor statements have also hinted at the involvement of other celebrated artists, including Mohanlal, Shiva Rajkumar, Vidya Balan and additional supporting cast members, suggesting a multi-layered narrative with several key characters.

Jailer 2 is expected to expand on the action and dramatic elements that made the first instalment popular. At the time of writing, there has been no official announcement from the Jailer 2 production regarding Shah Rukh Khan’s role.

Also Read: Nora Fatehi’s name surfaces for special song in Rajinikanth’s Jailer 2 amid growing buzz

A few days ago, the makers of Drishyam 3 announced that their highly anticipated film will be released on October 2, 2026. The press note mentioned the name of the leading actors of the film – Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shriya Saran and Rajat Kapoor. Akshaye Khanna’s name was missing and it raised eyebrows. The actor is on a high after Dhurandhar and hence, fans were looking forward to seeing him in the next part of Drishyam, especially when he rocked the show in Drishyam 2 (2022). Meanwhile, reports emerged that he had walked out of the third part due to remuneration differences. Bollywood Hungama has now found more information about what led to his exit.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Akshaye was menacing as the villain in Chhaava, while he stole the show, and how, in Dhurandhar. He has become the next big thing. Realizing the same, he decided to revise his fees. Accordingly, he asked for Rs. 21 crores from the makers of Drishyam 3.”

The source continued, “The makers of Drishyam 3 were taken aback. They tried to reason with him that if he’s paid a bomb, the film would go over-budget. But Akshaye Khanna felt that he was justified in his demand. He knew that his presence now significantly enhanced the excitement for a film.”

Meanwhile, another source said, “We also heard that there were a few more fronts where Akshaye Khanna and the makers had a disagreement as well. One of them was that Akshaye suggested that he'd like to wear a wig. The makers were not comfortable with the idea, probably because he was without a wig in the second part.”

The earlier source then said, “Since Akshaye Khanna’s demands were not met, he decided to walk out of Drishyam 3. Of course, he wished the makers well. The parting happened on a good note and the makers hope to collaborate with Akshaye in future when they’ll be on the same page.”

Also Read: Akshaye Khanna walks out of Drishyam 3 over remuneration differences after Dhurandhar success: Report

Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol are set to host a deeply emotional and special screening of the film Ikkis on Monday, December 29, in loving memory of their beloved father, the late legendary actor Dharmendra. It is the last movie of the late actor, which he completed shooting and dubbing before his demise on November 24 at the age of 89.

The private screening will be held at a multiplex in Mumbai and is expected to be attended by close family members, friends from the film fraternity, and a few specially invited guests who shared a close bond with the iconic star. The family has also invited members from the media for the special occasion.

Dharmendra remains one of the most towering and beloved figures in Indian cinema. With a career spanning over six decades, he redefined stardom with his effortless charm, emotional depth, and unmatched versatility, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of actors and filmmakers.

The special screening of Ikkis stands not just as a cinematic event, but as a heartfelt homage by two sons honouring the memory of a father whose impact transcended films and fame. The Deol family’s gesture serves as a reminder that legends never truly fade—they live on through stories, memories, and the love they leave behind.

Produced by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, Ikkis is directed by Sriram Raghavan. The movie is based on the sacrifice of the Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal in the 1971 India-Pakistan war. The film will see Agastya Nanda essay his character while it will also star Jaideep Ahlawat and Simar Bhatia in key roles.

Also Read: Dharmendra’s last interview on Ikkis few months before his demise, “To do this film is my way of paying tribute to India’s armed forces”

After assembling 18 actors for Housefull 5, Bollywood’s ensemble trend has grown even bigger with Welcome To The Jungle, which brings together a massive 24-member cast - Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Arshad Warsi, Raveena Tandon, Jacqueline Fernandez, Disha Patani, Lara Dutta, Tusshar Kapoor, and several others. The scale of Welcome To The Jungle signals a clear step up in ambition when it comes to multi-starrer projects in mainstream Hindi cinema.

Welcome To The Jungle recently wrapped its year-end shooting schedule in Mumbai, marking an important milestone for the large-scale production. To announce the wrap and extend Christmas wishes, Akshay Kumar shared a behind-the-scenes video featuring the cast.

The clip hinted at Akshay being seen in two different avatars in the film — a younger and an older version — adding intrigue to the project. Announcing the wrap, the actor wrote, “Wishing one and all a very Merry Christmas from the giant cast of Welcome to the Jungle! In cinemas 2026. Never have I ever been part of something so big… none of us have. We can’t wait to present our gift to you. It’s a wrap, people! Well done, gang. Such a huge effort from everyone involved in making this happen. From our big family to yours at home, we wish you nothing but the best for 2026.”

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With its 24-actor ensemble and a 2026 theatrical release locked in, Welcome To The Jungle stands out as one of the largest multi-starrer films currently in the pipeline, reflecting the industry’s growing appetite for scale-driven, ensemble-led spectacles.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar supports two different looks in new Welcome To The Jungle video: “Never have I ever been part of something so big”

Recent industry rumours that Ranveer Singh walked out of Farhan Akhtar’s highly anticipated film Don 3, following the massive success of his blockbuster Dhurandhar, have been challenged by multiple reports. Sources cited in the PinkVilla say the narrative linking his departure to Dhurandhar’s box-office performance is not accurate.

Allegations suggested that Ranveer’s growing clout after Dhurandhar — which has been breaking records across India — led him to distance himself from Don 3 to avoid repeating back-to-back gangster roles. The Free Press Journal report notes that Farhan Akhtar was among the early supporters of Ranveer’s career, backing him at a time when several projects were stalled or shelved.

However, India Today’s recent report has stated that the claim he quit Don 3 because of Dhurandhar’s success is unfounded. The evolving situation reportedly stems from creative disagreements and scheduling factors, not a simple decision driven by box-office momentum. Neither Ranveer nor the Don 3 production team has issued an official statement on the specifics of his involvement or departure.

Don 3, a continuation of Farhan Akhtar’s iconic franchise originally revived with Shah Rukh Khan in 2006 and 2011, has seen casting changes in recent months. While the search for a new lead continues amid uncertainties, Dhurandhar has kept Ranveer’s profile at a high point, with its strong performance at the ticket windows contributing to the ongoing conversation around his next career moves.

Also Read:  Ranveer Singh quits Don 3 amid Dhurandhar’s blockbuster run?

Dharma Productions has firmly denied allegations of plagiarism surrounding its film Homebound after author and journalist Puja Changoiwala accused the makers of copying her 2021 novel of the same name. The controversy erupted just days after the movie was shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards.

Changoiwala sent a legal notice in October claiming that significant portions of the film’s second half — including scenes, dialogue, narrative structure and sequence of events — closely mirror her book. She also argued that Homebound shares not just a title but substantial creative elements, and is seeking legal remedies that include a potential injunction and damages.

A statement from Dharma Productions, shared by Mid-Day, said, “The allegations of copyright infringement are baseless and unfounded, and Dharma Productions categorically denies the same. Homebound is an officially licensed adaptation inspired by the New York Times article by Basharat Peer, with all requisite rights lawfully acquired and due credit duly provided. A legal notice has been received and duly responded to by Dharma Productions’ legal counsel.”

It further read, “Dharma Productions has become aware through media reports of an alleged pre-suit mediation before the Bombay High Court — however, no formal communication has been received to date. We take such allegations seriously and are exploring legal action at our end to protect the integrity of our film.”

The film, directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, is set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 migrant exodus. While Homebound continues to attract attention for its awards prospects, the copyright dispute adds a new legal dimension to its public conversation.

Also Read: Oscar-shortlisted Homebound faces copyright suit; deets inside!