The much-awaited sequel to the cult comedy Hera Pheri series, Hera Pheri 3, has found itself in the middle of a storm. Akshay Kumar, who is both the lead actor and producer of the film, has reportedly sent a legal notice to his long-time co-star Paresh Rawal, seeking Rs 25 crore as damages. This comes after Paresh Rawal walked out of the project midway, leaving the team shocked and the production in chaos.
What Happened?
Akshay Kumar, through his production house Cape of Good Films, bought the rights to Hera Pheri 3 from producer Firoz Nadiadwala. The film was set to reunite the original trio—Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal—under the direction of Priyadarshan, the man behind the first film’s success. Shooting began in April 2024, with all actors reportedly on board and excited to bring back the beloved characters.
However, in a sudden turn of events, Paresh Rawal announced his exit from the project. He confirmed this on social media, but did not inform the team directly before leaving. This move stunned everyone, including director Priyadarshan and co-star Suniel Shetty, who said he found out about the exit from his children and had not spoken to Paresh Rawal about it.
Why Did Paresh Rawal Leave?
Paresh Rawal himself clarified that his decision was not due to any creative differences with the director. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “I wish to put it on record that my decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 was not due to creative differences.
I wish to put it on record that my decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 was not due to creative differences. I REITERATE THAT THERE ARE NO CREATIVE DISAGREEMENT WITH THE FILM MAKER . I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan the film director.— Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) May 18, 2025
I REITERATE THAT THERE ARE NO CREATIVE DISAGREEMENT WITH THE FILM MAKER. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan, the film director”.
However, sources close to the production have suggested that the real reason might be related to money. It is reported that Paresh Rawal demanded a fee of Rs 25 crore for his role, which did not go down well with Akshay Kumar. Some reports say that Rawal was already paid three times his usual fee and had even shot some scenes and appeared in the teaser promo before leaving. Despite this, the official reason given by Rawal is that he did not feel like a part of the project anymore, though he did not elaborate further.
The Legal Battle
Akshay Kumar’s team has accused Paresh Rawal of “gross unprofessional conduct” and “sabotaging” the film by leaving midway. The legal notice seeks Rs 25 crore as damages for the losses caused by Rawal’s sudden exit. The notice argues that Rawal signed a contract, accepted the signing amount, and participated in the shoot, only to leave without notice, causing financial and reputational harm to the production.
Director Priyadarshan, while shocked by Rawal’s decision, said that Akshay Kumar has the right to take legal action since he has invested his own money in the film. He also mentioned that before starting the film, he had personally checked with both Paresh Rawal and Suniel Shetty, and both had agreed to be part of the project.
Reactions from the Team
Suniel Shetty, who plays Shyam in the franchise, expressed his shock and confusion over the incident. He said he had no idea why Paresh Rawal left and had not spoken to him about it. Priyadarshan, while disappointed, clarified that he has no personal issues with Rawal and that the two have always had a good working relationship.
What Does This Mean for Bollywood?
This incident highlights the challenges of making big-budget films in Bollywood, especially when it comes to managing star egos and expectations. On one hand, actors have every right to negotiate their fees and decide what projects they want to be a part of. On the other hand, producers invest huge sums of money and expect professionalism and commitment from their cast.
The legal battle between Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal is not just about money—it’s about setting a precedent for how such situations should be handled in the future. If actors can walk out of projects midway without consequences, it could lead to chaos in the industry. At the same time, if producers become too strict, it might discourage actors from taking creative risks or standing up for their rights.
The Impact on Fans
For fans of the Hera Pheri series, this news is disappointing. The original film, released in 2000, is considered a cult classic, and fans have been eagerly waiting for the third part for years. The reunion of the original cast was seen as a dream come true. With Paresh Rawal’s exit, the future of Hera Pheri 3 is uncertain, and many fans are worried that the film might not happen at all or that it will not be the same without Baburao, the iconic character played by Rawal.
Final Note
The dispute between Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal over Hera Pheri 3 is a reminder of how complex and unpredictable the film industry can be. While it is important for actors to feel valued and respected, it is equally important for producers to protect their investments. As the legal battle unfolds, fans can only hope that a solution is found and that Hera Pheri 3 eventually sees the light of day—with or without Paresh Rawal.
In the end, what matters most is the story that is told and the joy it brings to the audience. Let’s hope that the makers of Hera Pheri 3 find a way to overcome this hurdle and deliver a film that lives up to the legacy of the original.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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