The ongoing drama surrounding Paresh Rawal's departure from "Hera Pheri 3" has taken another turn, with sources close to the actor dismissing claims of unprofessionalism as "laughable." This comes after reports that Akshay Kumar's production house, Cape of Good Films, has issued a legal notice to Rawal, seeking ₹25 crore in damages for allegedly breaching his contract and causing disruption to the film.

According to a source close to Rawal, the actor hadn't even begun shooting for the film before his exit. The source stated that only a promo shoot had been done, not a full-fledged film schedule. Therefore, the idea that Rawal "walked out" is considered a "theatrical imagination." This contradicts claims from Akshay Kumar's legal team, who stated that a portion of the film, approximately three and a half minutes, had already been shot.

The source emphasized Rawal's long-standing reputation for professionalism, built over four decades of iconic work. They stated that calling him "unprofessional" is unfair and that Rawal's career has been built on "honesty, discipline, and sheer craft." The source further suggested that Rawal "doesn't need the noise" and "certainly doesn't thrive on it."

Rawal himself has confirmed his exit from "Hera Pheri 3," stating that he simply didn't feel like being a part of the film. He has also denied reports of creative differences with director Priyadarshan, with whom he has a long and successful working relationship. Rawal reiterated his "immense love, respect, and faith" in Priyadarshan.

However, Rawal's departure has reportedly upset fans of the "Hera Pheri" franchise. Akshay Kumar's production house claims that Rawal's exit has caused significant losses and disruption to the film's production. It's also been revealed that Rawal was set to receive a substantial fee, reportedly three times his usual remuneration, for "Hera Pheri 3."

Adding another layer to the situation, it has been reported that Rawal has returned the signing amount he received for the film, along with interest. According to sources, Rawal returned ₹11 lakh, the initial signing amount, with 15% annual interest and an additional amount for stepping away from the series. This action seems to solidify his decision to not return to the franchise. It's also been suggested that Rawal had reservations about a clause in his contract that stipulated he would only receive the balance of his fees one month after the film's release, potentially delaying his payment for nearly two years, given the film's expected release in late 2026 or 2027.

Suniel Shetty, another lead actor in the "Hera Pheri" franchise, has expressed his shock and surprise at Rawal's departure. He revealed that Rawal had contacted him to discuss the situation, but they hadn't yet had a chance to meet and talk. Shetty also noted that Rawal's decision to publicly announce his exit was unusual, as the three lead actors have always been united regarding "Hera Pheri."

The future of "Hera Pheri 3" remains uncertain in the wake of these events. While Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty are still on board, Rawal's absence creates a significant void, given his iconic portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte. Director Priyadarshan has acknowledged the challenges of meeting the high expectations of fans and crafting humor that resonates with today's audience. He plans to begin writing "Hera Pheri 3" next year, with the aim of reuniting the beloved cast and delivering a film that lives up to the legacy of the franchise. As of now, the teaser is set to release before the IPL 2025 finale.