Behind the intense, edge-of-the-seat sequences that make thriller films memorable, sets often witness unpredictable moments where carefully rehearsed timing goes awry. During the filming of a critical interrogation sequence in the celebrated crime drama franchise, an unexpected accident occurred when actor Kamlesh Sawant, portraying the stern police official Laxmikant Gaitonde, ended up accidentally making full physical contact while performing a slap scene opposite younger co-star Ishita Dutta. The sudden impact shocked everyone present on the set and left the supporting actor completely overwhelmed with anxiety.
A Narrowed Gap Turned Rehearsal Into a Sudden Strike
Simulating violence for the camera requires millimeter precision to protect actors from actual physical harm. For this particular confrontational scene, the creative team had meticulously practiced the choreography. The plan required Kamlesh Sawant to deliver a swinging strike at an established safe distance from Ishita Dutta, ensuring the gesture appeared visually convincing without landing on her face. However, once the cameras started rolling for the final take, that critical safety margin unexpectedly collapsed.
Following the exact muscle memory developed during earlier dry runs, the actor swung his hand forward. Because the physical space between both performers had shrunk in that moment, the swing connected directly with Ishita Dutta's face. The unintentional blow brought immediate silence across the shooting floor, leaving the actor in profound distress over having inadvertently hurt his colleague during a routine take.
Director Nishikant Kamat's Scolding and an Unprompted Defense
Witnessing the unexpected strike, director Nishikant Kamat reacted with immediate anger, assuming the action was a result of recklessness. He swiftly reprimanded the actor in front of the entire crew, escalating the tension in the room. Paralyzed with fear and confusion, the actor found himself unable to process the reprimand as panic set in.
Despite being on the receiving end of the blow, Ishita Dutta stepped forward without hesitation to de-escalate the confrontation. She directly addressed the director, insisting that the fault lay entirely with her because she had inadvertently closed the distance between them, while her co-star had merely executed the swing as originally planned. Taking responsibility in that high-pressure environment defused the director's fury. Kamlesh Sawant later noted that her immediate willingness to speak up on his behalf was deeply meaningful, especially as he had turned red with sheer nervousness.
Reconnecting With Ajay Devgn Fourteen Years After Khakee
The shoot in Goa brought another deeply memorable interaction for the supporting actor. Fourteen years earlier, he had shared screen time with Ajay Devgn in the cop thriller Khakee. When their paths crossed again on the new production, Kamlesh Sawant initially kept his distance out of professional deference. Viewing himself as a modest character actor, he assumed the superstar would need quiet focus to memorize lengthy dialogues and prepare for demanding scenes, making any interruption inappropriate.
That hesitation dissolved when the leading man approached him independently. Ajay Devgn initiated the conversation by recounting their specific past sequence, asking if he was the same actor who sprinted across railway tracks before getting shot at, while also showering praise on the performance of the actress who portrayed his on-screen wife in that earlier project. For an actor who considered his role modest, receiving such unprompted recall and respect from an industry stalwart left an indelible mark.
Box Office Milestones of the Hit Thriller Franchise
The widespread acclaim enjoyed by the production extended well beyond its creative execution to immense commercial success. Audiences showed sustained enthusiasm across all three chapters of the franchise. In terms of commercial performance, Drishyam 3 achieved a worldwide theatrical gross exceeding 580 crore rupees, alongside a domestic net total of 374 crore rupees. The lasting resonance of the series has rested not only on its central star power but also on the gripping, authentic portrayals delivered by its extended ensemble.
