The much-awaited third installment of the Hera Pheri franchise has hit a major snag with veteran actor Paresh Rawal stepping away from the project. His unexpected exit has caused ripples throughout the film industry, not due to any creative differences but for reasons far more complex.
Confirming his departure, Rawal released an official statement via Twitter, saying, “My lawyer, Ameet Naik, has sent an appropriate response regarding my rightful termination and exit. Once they read my response all issues will be laid to rest.” His message followed days of intense speculation about a brewing conflict behind the scenes.
Rawal’s decision comes amid rumors that Akshay Kumar, both lead actor and producer of the film, has taken legal steps against him. Reports also suggest that Rawal returned his signing amount of ₹11 lakh to the producers—along with an additional 15% interest—demonstrating a clean and formal exit.
Fans, who were eagerly awaiting the return of the iconic trio—Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal—reacted with confusion and concern. One Twitter user asked, “What happened, everything was going good so why is he leaving the movie now?” Another commented, “Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal both are best friends! Suddenly kya huaa yeh dono ko pata hai.”
The timeline of the project also appears to have played a role in Rawal’s departure. With shooting scheduled for next year and the film’s release even further out, Rawal reportedly didn’t want to wait nearly two years for full compensation.
The team behind Hera Pheri 3, including director Priyadarshan and co-star Suniel Shetty, are said to be disheartened by the development. Insiders claim the entire crew was caught off guard by Rawal’s decision, which has placed the film’s future in jeopardy.
Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar’s legal team, led by advocate Pooja Tidke, has responded strongly. Speaking to PTI, they said, “There will be severe legal consequences. It’s of course hurt the franchise. We have written to him letting him know that there are a lot of legal consequences involved. There have been expenses incurred towards the cast, towards the crew, towards leading senior actors, logistics equipment, and shooting of the trailer.”
Rawal’s portrayal of the eccentric yet lovable Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the original Hera Pheri (2000) and its sequel Phir Hera Pheri (2006) has become a cult favorite. His absence casts serious doubt over the direction of the third film, with fans questioning whether the franchise can maintain its charm without him.
As legal proceedings unfold and the production team reassesses their next steps, the fate of Hera Pheri 3 remains uncertain—and fans are left wondering whether the magic of the original trio can ever be recaptured.