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Hera Pheri 3 has been going through many troubles even before the film’s shooting could begin in full swing. Previously, it seemed like the original trio was not on board but in the last few months, it seemed almost certain that Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal would reprise their roles in the third installment of the franchise. In fact, recently it was also said that they had started shooting for some material for the film, with director Priyadarshan. However, Paresh’s recent announcement exiting the project has shocked fans. Now, Akshay’s production house Cape of Good Films, has reportedly sued Paresh Rawal for Rs 25 crore for abandoning the project midway.
The notice issued on behalf of Akshay’s company, as reported by News 18, stated that Paresh had publicly announced his involved his association with the project via a Twitter post on January 30. It claimed that Paresh also formalised their agreement and accepted a partial payment of Rs 11 lakh as his fee. “Mr Rawal had publicly acknowledged his participation in the film on 30th January 2025 via a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle. He further formalised his commitment by executing a Term Sheet dated 27th March 2025, pursuant to which he accepted a part payment of Rs 11,00,000/- towards his remuneration. Acting in complete reliance on his public endorsement and contractual commitment, Cape of Good Films incurred substantial production and promotional expenditures, including those for the teaser and initial film shoot, in which Mr Rawal actively participated,” it read.
The notice said that the teaser was shot on April 3, and more than three minutes of footage was shot with Paresh. “The teaser shoot commenced on 3rd April 2025, and over 3 minutes of footage was shot with Mr Rawal. He also engaged in creative discussions and planning with fellow cast members, including Mr Akshay Kumar and Mr Suniel Shetty. At no point during this period were any concerns raised by Mr Rawal regarding creative issues,” it said.
Akshay’s company has claimed that Paresh’s exit has incurred heavy losses on the production house. It further read, “It is only after these significant investments and scheduling commitments were made that Mr Rawal abruptly attempted to exit the project, citing vague and belated creative differences. Cape of Good Films firmly believes that this justification is an afterthought, contrived to inflict maximum disruption on a beloved film franchise and undermine the goodwill it commands. The sudden and unjustified withdrawal has caused severe financial loss, disrupted schedules, and jeopardised the momentum of a high-value production. In view of this, Cape of Good Films has demanded damages to the tune of Rs 25 crores from Mr Rawal. If the demand is not complied with within seven days, the company will be constrained to pursue appropriate legal remedies, including civil and criminal action,” the statement read, detailing the losses that the film will incur due to Paresh Rawal’s exit.”
Hera Pheri, directed by Priyadarshan, originally released in 2000. The sequel, directed by Neeraj Vora, titled Phir Hera Pheri, released in 2006. Since then, fans have been demanding that the franchise must have a third part as well. In 2022, Akshay had said at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit that he was offered Hera Pheri 3 but he chose to let go of the project because he did not like the script. But, things changed a few years later, and eventually, all three actors came on board with the original director but it seems like Hera Pheri 3 will have to witness a few more obstacles before everything can be worked out.
In a chat with Mid-day, Paresh said that he wasn’t leaving the project due to creative differences with Priyadarshan. “No amount of money compares to the love and respect of my audience. Right now, I just feel that it is a role I don’t want to do, that’s all,” he said. Days before this announcement, he told The Lallantop, “Everybody wants to cash in on sequels but do something different with the character that has Rs 500 crore worth of goodwill. Why not fly with it? But there’s mental bankruptcy or mental lethargy. I’m doing the sequel because I don’t want the film to get stuck, but there is no happiness.” In the same chat, when Paresh was asked if Akshay was a friend, he chose to describe him as a colleague.
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