The highly anticipated third installment of the beloved Hera Pheri franchise, Hera Pheri 3, has been plunged into a fresh wave of controversy following the unexpected announcement of veteran actor Paresh Rawal’s departure from the project. Rawal, whose portrayal of the iconic character Baburao Ganpatrao Apte is central to the series’ charm and enduring popularity, confirmed his exit, sending shockwaves through both the industry and the millions of fans who have eagerly awaited the return of the original trio: Raju (Akshay Kumar), Shyam (Suniel Shetty), and Baburao.
The Bombshell Announcement and Initial Reactions
The news broke when Paresh Rawal himself took to social media to state that he would no longer be a part of Hera Pheri 3. This declaration immediately ignited speculation and concern. While early reports suggested creative differences as the reason, Rawal quickly moved to dismiss these, emphatically 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.”
The reaction from his co-stars and director Priyadarshan was one of profound surprise and disappointment. Suniel Shetty, who shares an undeniable on-screen chemistry with Rawal, expressed his shock, stating that he had “no clue” about his co-star’s intention to quit. He even emphasized the indispensability of Rawal’s character, asserting that Hera Pheri 3 “100 per cent cannot happen without Paresh ji.” Priyadarshan, the director, also confirmed that Rawal had not informed him of his decision prior to the public announcement, leaving him equally in the dark.
The Legal Twist: Akshay Kumar’s Alleged Lawsuit
Adding a significant legal dimension to the unfolding drama, reports surfaced that Akshay Kumar’s production house, Cape of Good Films, has allegedly sent a legal notice to Paresh Rawal, seeking a staggering ₹25 crore in damages. The reports indicate that Kumar, who has reportedly acquired the rights to the Hera Pheri franchise, is pursuing legal action on grounds of “unprofessional conduct” and breach of contract.
Sources close to the production claim that Rawal had not only signed a legal contract but also accepted a signing amount and participated in initial shooting, including a promotional teaser. The alleged lawsuit argues that Rawal’s sudden exit, after significant investment had been made, shows a “blatant disregard for professional integrity or commercial morality.” This move highlights a growing trend in Bollywood where producers are reportedly less willing to yield to actors’ whims, seeking to formalize relationships and enforce contracts more stringently, akin to Hollywood practices.
Paresh Rawal’s Stance and Underlying Reasons
Despite the legal threat and the widespread disappointment, Paresh Rawal has maintained his position. While denying creative differences with Priyadarshan or monetary issues, his statements hint at a deeper dissatisfaction with the creative trajectory of the franchise. In past interviews, Rawal has openly expressed his concerns about sequels merely “encashing” on the success of previous parts without offering fresh character development or a compelling narrative. He once famously remarked about being “stuck” with the Baburao character, expressing a desire for “mukti” (liberation) from it if the makers don’t innovate.
This suggests that for Rawal, the decision may stem from a creative void or a feeling that the character of Baburao was not being evolved in a way that excited him as an actor. He hinted that while the trio forms a great combination, he simply “doesn’t feel like being a part of it” at this juncture. He also noted that Priyadarshan did try to persuade him, but respected his final decision.
The Future of Hera Pheri 3: A Cloud of Uncertainty
Paresh Rawal’s exit has undoubtedly cast a long shadow over Hera Pheri 3. The iconic trio of Raju, Shyam, and Baburao is considered the very soul of the franchise, and the prospect of the film proceeding without Rawal is a major concern for fans and industry observers alike. Suniel Shetty’s assertion that the film “cannot happen without Paresh Rawal” underscores the gravity of the situation.
While there have been discussions about potential replacements for the beloved character, the sheer uniqueness of Rawal’s portrayal makes it an incredibly challenging act to follow. The controversy not only delays the production further but also raises fundamental questions about the creative vision and the dynamics within the highly anticipated project.
As the legal proceedings unfold and the industry grapples with this unexpected development, the future of Hera Pheri 3 remains uncertain. One thing is clear: the charm and success of the original Hera Pheri were deeply rooted in the unparalleled chemistry of its lead actors, and without all three, the magic might be significantly harder to recreate. Fans can only hope for a resolution that brings the laughter back to the big screen, ideally with their beloved Baburao back in the mix.