Bollywood actor Akshaye Khanna has once again found himself at the centre of controversy, following his reported exit from Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam 3. Now, Section 375 writer and filmmaker Manish Gupta has made serious allegations against the actor, accusing him of being difficult to work with and demanding full creative control over the 2019 legal drama.
Manish Gupta Opens Up About His Experience With Akshaye Khanna
In an interview, Manish Gupta, who both wrote and initially directed Section 375, recalled his troubled collaboration with Akshaye Khanna. He revealed that after finalising the contract, agreeing on fees, dates, and even paying an advance, the actor allegedly put the project on hold for nearly six months to shoot The Accidental Prime Minister.
According to Gupta, the issues escalated when Khanna returned to the project. The actor reportedly demanded Rs 3.25 crore as his fee instead of the previously agreed Rs 2 crore. Gupta further claimed that the financial demand was only part of the problem.
‘Akshaye Wanted Full Control of the Film’
Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, Gupta alleged that Akshaye Khanna also insisted on having complete control over Section 375. At the time, Gupta was serving as the film’s director and refused to compromise on his creative authority.
Gupta stated that this resistance did not sit well with the actor. “It was hurting Akshaye’s ego to take instructions from a strict, authoritative director like me,” he claimed. As per Gupta, Khanna then pressured producer Kumar Mangat Pathak to remove him from the director’s position and hand over full control of the film.
Eventually, the producer agreed to Khanna’s demand, and Gupta was replaced by Ajay Bahl as the director.
Legal Notices and Fallout
Manish Gupta also revealed that his bound script and a hard drive containing nearly three years of pre-production work were seized after his removal. This prompted him to send two legal notices to producer Kumar Mangat Pathak.
Despite acknowledging Akshaye Khanna’s talent, Gupta expressed deep disappointment over the actor’s conduct. “Akshaye is undoubtedly a brilliant performer. I am only questioning his ethics,” he concluded.
What’s Next for Akshaye Khanna?
On the professional front, Akshaye Khanna is set to return to the big screen in Dhurandhar 2, which is scheduled for release on March 19, 2026.
This latest revelation has reignited discussions around on-set professionalism and creative control in Bollywood, adding another chapter to the ongoing debate surrounding the actor.