From left: Aakash Shrestha, Pushpa Khadka and Sushil Shrestha. Sushil has taken over the lead role in ‘Akka 3’ following the departures of Aakash and Pushpa, with filming yet to begin.
Aakash, Then Pushpa, Now Sushil: ‘Akka 3’ Changes Its Lead Again
‘Akka 3’ has reached its third leading man before filming has begun. Sushil Shrestha has now joined the action film, following the departures of Aakash Shrestha and Pushpa Khadka.
The casting changes have become a story of their own for director Rupesh’s upcoming project. Aakash was initially signed for the lead role, Pushpa later took his place, and Sushil is now set to take the film forward.
Sushil and the director signed a written agreement on Sunday. The actor is currently shooting ‘The Rise of Samrajya’ and is expected to begin work on ‘Akka 3’ after completing that commitment.
How the Lead Role Changed Hands
The project initially brought Aakash Shrestha and Pooja Sharma together, with filming planned for the final week of Falgun. However, that pairing did not move forward, and Aakash left the film by mutual agreement.
Pushpa Khadka joined in Chaitra, with the production team then aiming to start filming in Jestha. That schedule also passed without the cameras rolling.
As the production timeline shifted, Pushpa too parted ways with the project by mutual agreement. Sushil’s arrival marks the second replacement of the film’s male lead.
Pooja Sharma and Kabita Nepali remain attached to the cast. The filmmakers have yet to reveal which actress will be paired opposite Sushil.
Filming Planned for Early Mangsir
The team is now preparing to begin filming in the first week of Mangsir, with a release targeted for 2027. Both remain production plans rather than confirmed milestones.
Rupesh, whose previous directing credits include ‘Jai Shambhu’ and ‘Daanvi’, is developing ‘Akka 3’ as a two-part project.
Suman Gajmer, who previously wrote ‘Rangi’, has written the screenplay and dialogue. Ram Krishna Kharel and Anup Gadal are producing the film under the Juna Films banner.
With Sushil now signed, the next development to watch is the start of filming. After two changes of leading man and several shifts in schedule, ‘Akka 3’ is still waiting to make that move.
