With ‘Drishyam 3’ set to reach cinemas next month, director Abhishek Pathak has called for a formal system to address situations where actors leave projects shortly before filming begins.
Pathak, who is also producing the third instalment, spoke about the issue after Akshaye Khanna exited the film days before shooting was due to begin.
According to Pathak, the departure forced the makers to make changes to the script and introduce a new character, which will be played by Jaideep Ahlawat.
Speaking to PTI, Pathak said sudden exits could put the livelihoods of numerous crew members at risk. He noted that many technicians and other workers depend on daily wages of around Rs 2,000 to Rs3,000.
“Suddenly you put their life at risk because they have planned their life accordingly… I think there has to be a certain rule about it where you cannot just step out once you wish because you didn’t feel right about something. So, it’s more about a solution that has to come together, figure out a plan, a law, a rule,” he said.
Pathak said an actor’s last-minute departure could create difficulties for producers and affect the wider production team.
“The producer might have an option of stopping the shoot but that can affect a lot of people, a lot of crew members. And it’s not just about a film, it’s about so many livelihoods, it’s problematic,” he added.
According to Pathak, creative differences should ideally be resolved before contracts are signed. He said Khanna’s exit placed additional pressure on the cast and crew as the makers had to find a replacement and revise the screenplay.
Postponing the shoot was also not considered a practical option as it could have affected the film’s scheduled release, Pathak said.
The dispute has also taken a legal turn. Pathak’s father and producer Kumar Mangat Pathak has sent Khanna a legal notice alleging breach of agreement. Mangat Pathak had previously told PTI that Khanna left the project ahead of the release of ‘Dhurandhar’.
‘Drishyam 3’ will see Ajay Devgn, Shriya Saran and Tabu return to their respective roles. Jaideep Ahlawat will play SP Crime Branch officer Rajveer Singh Tomar, who pursues Devgn’s character and his family.
The film is scheduled for release on 2 October.
