The Hera Pheri franchise, one of Bollywood’s most iconic comedy trilogies, has once again found itself in troubled waters. This time, the controversy centers around the unexpected departure of veteran actor Paresh Rawal, known for his legendary portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte. What initially appeared to be a long-awaited reunion of the original trio — Rawal, Akshay Kumar, and Suniel Shetty — has unraveled into a legal and creative standoff.
No Script, Just a Poster Shoot?
According to sources close to the production, Rawal’s departure stemmed from a lack of transparency and preparation. Despite participating in a widely circulated promotional shoot hinting at a Hera Pheri revival, Rawal was reportedly never given a full script or even a narration of his role. This raised major red flags for the actor, who was concerned about the project’s direction.
The buzz around the film, especially after the trio’s photos went viral, suggested that production was ready to roll. However, insiders claim that Hera Pheri 3 didn’t even have a locked screenplay at the time — something Rawal found professionally untenable.
Legal Wrangle: Breach or Misunderstanding?
Matters took a sharp turn when Akshay Kumar’s production house, Cape of Good Films, served Rawal with a legal notice demanding Rs 25 crore in damages. The notice alleges that Rawal had accepted a signing amount of Rs 11 lakh, committed to the project, and then abruptly exited, causing delays and disruption.
However, Rawal’s legal team hit back, stating that there was no signed contract, no narration, and no finalized agreement that bound the actor to the film. They claim Rawal returned the advance with 15% interest well before receiving any legal correspondence, dismissing the lawsuit as “unfounded” and asserting his right to exit a project with unclear terms.
Who Really Owns Hera Pheri?
Adding another layer of complexity is a dispute over the franchise rights. Producer Firoz Nadiadwala, the man behind the original 2000 blockbuster, is said to have reclaimed the intellectual property rights to the brand. His legal team reportedly warned Akshay Kumar and others against promoting any sequel without proper authorization.
With ownership in limbo and legal threats looming, Rawal’s reluctance to commit without clarity appears to be a cautious move rather than an impulsive exit.
A Rift That Began With OMG 2?
While not directly tied to Hera Pheri, many in the industry point to Rawal’s absence from OMG 2 — the sequel to 2012’s OMG: Oh My God! — as an early sign of strain between him and Akshay Kumar. Kumar co-produced and starred in the sequel, while Rawal, who was the central figure in the original, was notably missing. This creative distance, some say, may have quietly widened over time.
Rawal’s Creative Reservations
In past interviews, Rawal had openly criticized Phir Hera Pheri (2006) for straying from the grounded humor that made the original a cult classic. Sources close to the actor say he feared repeating past mistakes and insisted on a proper script and clarity before greenlighting Hera Pheri 3. Without those assurances — and with conflicting claims from multiple producers — he chose to bow out.
Industry Response: ‘Irreplaceable’
Rawal’s exit has sent shockwaves through the industry. Suniel Shetty, who plays Shyam in the franchise, expressed his disappointment and said the magic of Hera Pheri lies in its original trio. Director Priyadarshan echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that Rawal’s comic timing and chemistry with the other two stars simply cannot be replicated.
With one of its key pillars now gone, the future of Hera Pheri 3 remains uncertain and precarious.
Sources By Agencies
