The much-awaited Hera Pheri 3, set to reunite Bollywood’s iconic trio—Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal—has hit a major roadblock with Paresh Rawal’s sudden exit, sparking a ₹25 crore lawsuit from Akshay Kumar’s production house, Cape of Good Films. Rumors of creative differences with director Priyadarshan swirled, but Rawal has set the record straight, while the fallout has left fans reeling and the film’s future uncertain. Here’s the full scoop on the controversy rocking this beloved comedy franchise, based on Paresh Rawal’s Mid-Day interview and the latest reports.
Paresh Rawal’s Exit: Not Feeling the Vibe
Paresh Rawal, synonymous with the legendary Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, shocked fans when he announced his exit from Hera Pheri 3 on May 16, 2025, just weeks after filming began in April under Priyadarshan’s direction. In a candid Mid-Day interview, Rawal clarified his decision: “I know it came as a shock to many. We three make a great combination with Priyadarshanji directing us, but the fact is that I opted out because today I don’t feel like a part of it.” He emphasised that his choice was personal, not driven by conflict, adding, “It is final for the time being. I always say never say never for anything. One cannot predict what happens in the future.”
Rawal also addressed earlier comments to Lallantop, where he expressed frustration with sequels: “Everybody wants to cash in on sequels but do something different with the character that has Rs 500 crore worth of goodwill. Why not fly with it? But there’s mental bankruptcy or mental lethargy. I’m doing the sequel because I don’t want the film to get stuck, but there is no happiness.” His remarks hinted at a lack of creative spark, though he later clarified this wasn’t aimed at Priyadarshan or the team.
No Rift with Priyadarshan: Rawal Sets the Record Straight
Initial reports, like one from Bollywood Hungama, suggested Rawal’s exit stemmed from creative differences with the makers. However, Rawal firmly debunked this in his Mid-Day interview: “I love Priyadarshan and have great respect and faith in him as a director. We have done wonderful movies together and will continue to do so. There were no creative differences, nor is there a possibility of having any with him.” He reiterated this on X on May 18: "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 IS NO CREATIVE DISAGREEMENT WITH THE FILM MAKER. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan, the film director.”
Priyadarshan, speaking to Hindustan Times, expressed shock and hurt, revealing Rawal never communicated his decision directly: “I don’t know why this happened because Paresh didn’t inform us. Before starting the film, Akshay asked me to check with both Paresh and Suniel, and I did, and both were onboard.” He added, “Paresh hasn’t spoken to me till date,” noting that Rawal even shot for a day, including a teaser promo, without voicing concerns. Priyadarshan’s support for Akshay’s legal action underscores the professional fallout, though he remains focused on their ongoing collaboration in Bhoot Bangla, a horror-comedy also starring Akshay and Rawal.
Akshay Kumar’s ₹25 Crore Lawsuit: A Breach of Contract
The drama escalated when Akshay Kumar, who stars as Raju and produces Hera Pheri 3 via Cape of Good Films, filed a ₹25 crore ($3 million) lawsuit against Rawal for breach of contract and “gross unprofessional conduct.” Hindustan Times reported that Rawal had signed a legal contract, accepted an advance (reportedly three times his usual fee), and participated in pre-production and a day’s shoot before abruptly quitting. A source close to the legal proceedings told Hindustan Times: “Paresh displayed a blatant disregard for professional integrity or commercial morality. If he wanted to not do the film, he should have said so before signing the legal contract, accepting the signing amount and making the producer spend so much money on the shoot.”
Akshay, who acquired the franchise rights from Feroz Nadiadwala, invested heavily in reviving the cult comedy, which began with the 2000 classic and continued with Phir Hera Pheri in 2006. The lawsuit, a first in Akshay’s 35-year career, reflects his frustration, with insiders noting it aims to set a precedent for accountability in Bollywood. The Economic Times quoted a source: “It is high time Bollywood actors realise that like Hollywood, producers here too will no longer give in to the whims of an actor walking in and out of a film as he pleases.” X posts, like one from @Akkian_Gauravv, highlighted the unprecedented drama: “For the first time in 35 years, Akshay goes legal — drama off-screen begins!”
Fan Reactions and Franchise Concerns
The Hera Pheri franchise, beloved for its iconic trio and meme-worthy dialogues, has a massive fanbase, making Rawal’s exit a gut-punch. Hindustan Times reported fans’ disappointment, with X posts like “No Paresh Rawal, no Hera Pheri 3” and “It should not be made now” reflecting the sentiment that Baburao is irreplaceable. Suniel Shetty, who plays Shyam, shared his cautious optimism with Pinkvilla: “The only fear is — can we even get remotely close to the original? So there I think… if we do things honestly, because Hera Pheri was a very honest film, and if we maintain that honesty (then) people will latch on to that film because it’s got a great recall value.”
Rawal’s history of exiting projects, including Billu Barber (2009, also directed by Priyadarshan) and Oh My God 2 (2023) due to script issues, has raised eyebrows, but his Hera Pheri 3 departure feels particularly personal given his earlier enthusiasm. In January, he announced his involvement on X, hyping fans, only to later express disillusionment.
What’s Next for Hera Pheri 3?
With production halted and no replacement for Rawal announced, Hera Pheri 3’s 2026 release hangs in the balance. Live Mint suggested potential recasts, but fans insist Baburao’s role is sacred. Priyadarshan, despite the turmoil, remains committed, while Akshay and Rawal’s collaboration on Bhoot Bangla raises questions about their dynamic. Rawal’s Mid-Day comment—“one never knows what the future holds”—leaves a sliver of hope, but for now, the lawsuit and Rawal’s exit have cast a shadow over the franchise.
What’s your take on this Hera Pheri 3 drama? Can the film survive without Baburao? Drop your thoughts in the comments!