Director’s Favorite Actor Blamed for Harming Film Series, Causing ₹25 Crore Lawsuit, Cast Tension, and Upset Fans.
Uncertainty Surrounds Hera Pheri 3: Paresh Rawal’s Exit Sparks Legal Battles and Fan Outcry
The much-loved Hera Pheri franchise, a pillar of Bollywood comedy, faces an uncertain future as veteran actor Paresh Rawal, known for his iconic role as Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, has walked away from the third installment. This unexpected departure has triggered legal disputes, strained relationships among the cast, and left fans disheartened. With Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal set to reprise their roles as Raju, Shyam, and Baburao under director Priyadarshan’s guidance, Hera Pheri 3 was announced in February 2025 with high expectations. However, Rawal’s exit has cast a shadow over the project, raising questions about its viability.
What Led to the Hera Pheri 3 Crisis?
Filming Kicks Off Amid Early Optimism
In April 2025, reports confirmed that Hera Pheri 3 had entered production, with the trio of Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal shooting promotional material. Priyadarshan, who helmed the original 2000 film and its 2006 sequel, officially signed on to direct, fueling excitement for the return of the beloved franchise. Yet, behind-the-scenes challenges soon surfaced, hinting at deeper issues within the production.
Paresh Rawal Announces His Departure
On May 16, 2025, Paresh Rawal confirmed via social media that he was stepping away from Hera Pheri 3. Addressing swirling rumors, he clarified that his decision was not due to any rift with director Priyadarshan, whom he holds in high regard. Instead, Rawal pointed to uncertainties surrounding the film’s creative direction as the driving force behind his exit, sending shockwaves through the industry and among fans.
Akshay Kumar’s Production House Takes Legal Action
The situation escalated when Akshay Kumar, who acquired the rights to produce Hera Pheri 3 through his company, Cape of Good Films, issued a legal notice against Rawal on May 20. The production house accused Rawal of unprofessional behavior, claiming his abrupt exit caused significant financial and logistical setbacks. The notice highlighted the substantial investment made in the project, which was now at risk due to Rawal’s withdrawal.
Reactions from the Director and Co-Stars
Priyadarshan’s Disappointment
In an interview, Priyadarshan revealed he was reluctant to take on Hera Pheri 3 but joined at Akshay Kumar’s insistence. Caught off guard by Rawal’s exit, he expressed frustration, stating he would rather retire than work with someone he deemed unprofessional. He noted that the cast had already filmed promotional segments and that all actors, including Rawal, had received advance payments. Praising Rawal’s talent, Priyadarshan highlighted their long history of collaboration, making the actor’s decision all the more surprising.
Suniel Shetty and Fans: “No Baburao, No Hera Pheri”
Fans took to social media to voice their dismay, insisting that Hera Pheri 3 cannot exist without Baburao. Suniel Shetty echoed this sentiment in a statement, emphasizing that while the film could potentially proceed without him or Kumar, Baburao’s absence renders it unthinkable. He confirmed that some trailer footage had been shot but acknowledged that the project is currently stalled.
Paresh Rawal’s Stance and Financial Repercussions
A Record Paycheck Returned
Rawal was reportedly set to earn ₹15 crore for reprising Baburao, a career-high for the actor with over four decades in the industry. Following the legal notice from Kumar’s production house, Rawal returned the ₹11 lakh signing amount along with 15% interest to mitigate claims of financial damage. This move further fueled speculation about the reasons behind his departure.
Rawal Defends His “Justified” Exit
On May 25, Rawal addressed the controversy again, describing his exit as a “justified termination.” He stated that his lawyer, Ameet Naik, had submitted a detailed response to the legal claims, expressing confidence that it would resolve the disputes. Rawal stood firm on his decision, citing the lack of a script, screenplay, or formal agreement as critical factors.
Legal Team Clarifies the Real Issues
Rawal’s legal representatives, speaking to a news outlet, elaborated that no script or long-form agreement was provided to the actor. Additionally, Firoz Nadiadwala, the original producer of the Hera Pheri films, had issued a notice raising concerns about the project’s production. The legal team stressed that only promotional footage had been filmed, with no principal photography underway, undermining claims of significant losses.
A Pattern of Principled Exits
Rawal’s decision to leave Hera Pheri 3 aligns with his past choices. He previously stepped away from the OMG sequel, citing discomfort with projects driven purely by commercial motives. His exit from Hera Pheri 3 now risks straining his professional relationship with Akshay Kumar, with whom he has collaborated on films like Bhoot Bangla and Welcome to the Jungle. This pattern underscores Rawal’s commitment to creative integrity over financial gain.
The Road Ahead for Hera Pheri 3
The absence of Baburao, a character central to the franchise’s charm, has left fans and filmmakers questioning whether Hera Pheri 3 can recapture its predecessors’ magic. With ongoing legal battles, a stalled production, and tensions among the cast, the film’s future remains uncertain. Fans continue to express their disappointment online, while the industry watches closely to see if this iconic comedy series can overcome its current challenges.
