By Farru Tech, June 18, 2025
Synopsis: Paresh Rawal’s abrupt exit from Hera Pheri 3 has shocked fans and sparked a ₹25 crore lawsuit from Akshay Kumar’s production house, Cape of Good Films. Amid the legal battle and creative disputes, Akshay remains hopeful, assuring fans that “everything will go well.” This blog delves into the reasons behind Rawal’s departure, the franchise’s uncertain future, and Akshay’s efforts to keep the beloved comedy alive.
A Shocking Exit from a Beloved Franchise.
Hera Pheri 3 Controversy
The Hera Pheri franchise, a cornerstone of Bollywood comedy, has been mired in controversy since Paresh Rawal, the iconic Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, announced his exit from Hera Pheri 3 on May 18, 2025, via X. The 2000 original, directed by Priyadarshan, and its 2006 sequel, Phir Hera Pheri, directed by Neeraj Vora, cemented the trio of Akshay Kumar (Raju), Suniel Shetty (Shyam), and Rawal as comedy legends. Rawal’s departure, described by fans as “unthinkable,” has cast a shadow over the third installment, with many, including Suniel Shetty, stating it “cannot happen without Paresh Rawal.”
Akshay Kumar, a lead actor and producer through his company Cape of Good Films, broke his silence during promotions for his Telugu debut Kannappa, set for release on June 27, 2025. In an interview with Pinkvilla, he addressed the controversy, saying, “Whatever is happening is happening in front of you. Keeping my fingers crossed. I hope everything goes well. Everything will go well only. I know, for sure.” His diplomatic yet hopeful tone aims to reassure fans, but the legal and creative fallout leaves the film’s future uncertain.
Hera Pheri 3 : Why Paresh Rawal Walked Away
Paresh Rawal’s exit stems from his dissatisfaction with the franchise’s direction and lack of clarity in production. In interviews, he expressed frustration with Phir Hera Pheri (2006), which he felt strayed from the original’s sharp humor, calling his role a “gale ka fanda” (noose around the neck) in a conversation with The Lallantop. Determined to avoid repeating past mistakes, Rawal demanded a complete script before committing to Hera Pheri 3. His team later claimed that the production failed to deliver a finalized story, screenplay, or long-form agreement, prompting his “rightful termination.”
On May 25, 2025, Rawal tweeted, “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.” He also returned his ₹11 lakh signing amount with 15% interest, signaling his firm stance. Rawal emphasized that his decision wasn’t due to creative differences with director Priyadarshan, whom he praised, stating, “I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan.” However, he told Mid-day, “I don’t feel like a part of it,” leaving open a slim possibility of returning by adding, “I always say never say never.”
Hera Pheri 3 : The Legal Fallout
Rawal’s exit triggered a legal battle when Akshay Kumar’s Cape of Good Films filed a ₹25 crore lawsuit, citing breach of contract and disruption of schedules. The production house claimed Rawal had confirmed his involvement via a January 30, 2025, X post and a March 27, 2025, term sheet, accepting ₹11 lakh toward his ₹15 crore remuneration. They argued that his sudden withdrawal, after shooting a three-and-a-half-minute portion and a trailer, caused significant financial losses, including expenses for cast, crew, and logistics.
Pooja Tidke, Joint Managing Partner at Parinam Law Associates, told PTI, “There’s reputational damage involved for the actors committed to the film, the franchise as a whole, and of course, there’s a great deal of disappointment among the audience.” Rawal’s team countered that the lack of a finalized script and disputes with original producer Feroz Nadiadwala justified his exit. The legal matter remains sub judice, with Akshay declining to elaborate at the Housefull 5 trailer launch on May 27, 2025, saying, “It’s a serious matter… handled by the court.”
Hera Pheri 3 : Akshay’s Defense of Rawal
Despite the lawsuit, Akshay defended his longtime co-star against harsh criticism. When a journalist called Rawal “foolish” for quitting, Akshay responded, “Using this kind of word for my co-star, like ‘foolish,’ I wouldn’t appreciate. That’s not right. I have been working with him for the last 32 years. We are very good friends. He’s a great actor.” Their collaboration spans classics like Mohra (1994) and recent projects like Priyadarshan’s Bhoot Bangla, completed in 2025, making the public feud particularly jarring.
Director Priyadarshan, also caught off guard, expressed disappointment, revealing that Akshay had “tears in his eyes” when discussing Rawal’s exit. He lamented, “Akshay shouldn’t suffer financial losses because Paresh walked out on a whim.” Suniel Shetty, equally shocked, told IndiaToday.in he was unaware of Rawal’s decision until it went public.
Hera Pheri 3 : Fan Reactions and Franchise Legacy
The Hera Pheri franchise, launched in 2000, is a cultural touchstone, with Rawal’s Babu Bhaiya delivering iconic lines like “Utha le re baba!” Fans on X have been vocal, with @Its_CineHub declaring, “No point of Hera Pheri now without him as it will be HUGE DISASTER!” Another post from @Bollyhungama noted fans urging Rawal to reconsider, to which he responded, “NO… There are Three Heroes in Hera Pheri,” acknowledging the trio’s equal importance. Some speculate the film may be shelved, with sentiments like “Hera Pheri 3 is not POSSIBLE without Paresh Rawal” echoing across social media.
Rumors of Pankaj Tripathi being approached for Rawal’s role were debunked when Tripathi clarified he wasn’t offered the part and couldn’t imagine replacing Babu Bhaiya. An unconfirmed X post also alleged Rawal’s exit was linked to a betrayal over OMG 2 (2023), where he developed a story but stepped away, though this remains speculative.
Hera Pheri 3 The Road Ahead
Akshay’s optimism suggests Hera Pheri 3 may proceed, potentially with a new actor or revised script, though fans insist Babu Bhaiya is irreplaceable. The film, initially set to begin shooting in 2026, faces delays amid the legal dispute and production challenges. Akshay’s current focus is on Kannappa, a Telugu mythological film where he plays Lord Shiva alongside Prabhas and Mohanlal, releasing June 27, 2025. His recent success with Housefull 5, despite mixed reviews, underscores his box-office draw.
The controversy also draws parallels to other recent Bollywood disruptions, like the Welcome To The Jungle shoot halted due to the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, highlighting the industry’s vulnerability to external factors. Industry insider Taran Adarsh suggested Akshay and Rawal could have resolved the issue privately, lamenting the public escalation.
Hera Pheri 3 A Comedy in Crisis
Hera Pheri 3’s fate hangs in the balance, with Rawal’s exit threatening to derail a franchise cherished for its wit and camaraderie. Akshay’s hopeful words offer a glimmer of optimism, but the legal and emotional fallout suggests reconciliation may be challenging. As fans await clarity, the saga off-screen rivals the chaos of Raju, Shyam, and Babu Bhaiya’s on-screen antics.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on publicly available reports and social media updates. It does not reflect the views of Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, or any affiliated parties. Readers are encouraged to verify details independently.
Sources: Pinkvilla (June 17, 2025), Hindustan Times (May 26, June 17, 2025), The Hindu (May 25, 27, 2025), India Today (May 27, June 17, 2025), Mid-day (June 17, 2025), NDTV (May 27, June 17, 2025), and posts on X.
