Overview
- Kumar Mangat Pathak says Akshaye Khanna signed, received an advance, and then withdrew roughly 10 days before his scheduled shoot.
- He confirms Jaideep Ahlawat has been cast instead, with the character tweaked and the schedule reworked as the film targets an October 2, 2026 release.
- Pathak cites a wig request that he says would break continuity for a direct sequel as the immediate flashpoint.
- A legal notice has been sent and further action is planned, with the production reporting financial losses from the disruption.
- Reports of a steep fee hike circulated, but the producer disputes pay as the reason, and Khanna has not publicly responded.