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Hera Pheri 3 Controversy Explained: Why Did Paresh Rawal Quit and Much More
Updated on: 26 May, 2025 06:43 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Hera Pheri 3 Controversy
The much-anticipated reunion for "Hera Pheri 3" hit a massive roadblock, sending shockwaves through Bollywood. Paresh Rawal`s decision to exit the film has not only jeopardised the project, starring the iconic trio alongside Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty, but has also spiralled into a complex web of claims, counterclaims, and legal battles. What was touted as the casting coup of the decade now hangs in uncertainty.
The situation escalated when Akshay Kumar`s production banner, Cape of Good Films, initiated legal action against Rawal, claiming Rs 25 crore in damages for breach of trust. Pooja Tidke, from Kumar`s legal team, Parinam Law Associates, told PTI, "I think there will be severe legal consequences... There have been expenses incurred towards the cast, towards the crew, towards leading senior actors, logistics equipment, and shooting of the trailer." She added that contracts were in place and "in fact, there was some portion of about three-and-a-half minutes of the film itself that had been shot."
Also Read: Hera Pheri 3: Amidst Paresh Rawal`s Exit, His Old Interviews Go Viral
It was confirmed that Rawal returned the Rs 11 lakh signing amount with 15% interest, arguing no formal binding contract for the film shoot was finalised. His legal team asserted there was no signed agreement beyond a term sheet, no script narration, and he had every right to exit.
The other key figures, Suniel Shetty and director Priyadarshan, expressed their dismay. Shetty confessed, "I am heartbroken... I hope things can be mended." Priyadarshan revealed his cluelessness about Rawal`s reasons, saying, "Akshay asked me to check with both Paresh and Suniel, and I did, and both were onboard." He added that Akshay was deeply affected, quoting him as saying, "Akshay had tears in his eyes when he asked me, ‘Priyan, why is Paresh doing this to us?’"
Also Read: "I Don`t Give A F*ck!" Priyadarshan On Paresh Rawal`s Exit From Hera Pheri 3
The Shock Exit and Initial Reasons
It all began when Paresh Rawal announced on May 16 that he was no longer part of "Hera Pheri 3". His initial reason was that the character is "not something he wants to do now." Later, on May 18, 2025, Rawal clarified on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “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 ARE NO CREATIVE DISAGREEMENT WITH THE FILM MAKER . I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan the film director.” Sources close to Rawal later indicated his discomfort stemmed from the lack of a bound script and clarity on his character`s arc, alongside a franchise rights tussle involving original producer Firoz Nadiadwala.The situation escalated when Akshay Kumar`s production banner, Cape of Good Films, initiated legal action against Rawal, claiming Rs 25 crore in damages for breach of trust. Pooja Tidke, from Kumar`s legal team, Parinam Law Associates, told PTI, "I think there will be severe legal consequences... There have been expenses incurred towards the cast, towards the crew, towards leading senior actors, logistics equipment, and shooting of the trailer." She added that contracts were in place and "in fact, there was some portion of about three-and-a-half minutes of the film itself that had been shot."
Also Read: Hera Pheri 3: Amidst Paresh Rawal`s Exit, His Old Interviews Go Viral
Paresh Rawal`s Counter and Clarifications
Rawal’s camp swiftly countered these claims. A source stated, “Let’s be clear: the film hadn’t even started. There was a promo shoot, not a film schedule." They emphasised that calling Rawal "‘unprofessional’ is not just unfair; it’s laughable." On May 25, 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."It was confirmed that Rawal returned the Rs 11 lakh signing amount with 15% interest, arguing no formal binding contract for the film shoot was finalised. His legal team asserted there was no signed agreement beyond a term sheet, no script narration, and he had every right to exit.
The other key figures, Suniel Shetty and director Priyadarshan, expressed their dismay. Shetty confessed, "I am heartbroken... I hope things can be mended." Priyadarshan revealed his cluelessness about Rawal`s reasons, saying, "Akshay asked me to check with both Paresh and Suniel, and I did, and both were onboard." He added that Akshay was deeply affected, quoting him as saying, "Akshay had tears in his eyes when he asked me, ‘Priyan, why is Paresh doing this to us?’"
Also Read: "I Don`t Give A F*ck!" Priyadarshan On Paresh Rawal`s Exit From Hera Pheri 3
Will the Trio Reunite?
The original "Hera Pheri" (2000) and its sequel "Phir Hera Pheri" (2006) enjoy cult status. The return of the original cast and director for "Hera Pheri 3" generated immense excitement after previous attempts to make the film faced hurdles, including the sad demise of director Neeraj Vora. With Paresh Rawal`s iconic Baburao Ganpatrao Apte being central to the franchise`s charm, his absence poses a significant challenge. While mediation is a possibility, the future of "Hera Pheri 3" currently hangs precariously in the balance.ADVERTISEMENT
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