Veteran comedian Johnny Lever has voiced his opinion on the ongoing controversy surrounding Paresh Rawal's exit from the highly anticipated "Hera Pheri 3," stating that the film "won't be fun" without him. Lever urged Rawal to reconsider his decision and resolve his differences with actor and producer Akshay Kumar, emphasizing the irreplaceable nature of Rawal's character, Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, within the franchise.
"Mujhe lagta hai ki kar lena chahiye unko film, baithke baat karein, matter solve karein kyunki fans bohut miss karenge Paresh ji ko film mein, maza nahi aayega na waisa unke bina. To baat karke solve karlena chahiye, meri nazar mein to yahi sahi hai," Lever said in an interview, explaining that the fans would miss Paresh Rawal and it won't be fun without him. He believes that they should talk and solve the matter.
The "Hera Pheri" franchise, known for its iconic characters and hilarious plotlines, has been a beloved part of Bollywood for over two decades. The original film, released in 2000, directed by Priyadarshan, achieved cult classic status, and its sequel, "Phir Hera Pheri" (2006), directed by Neeraj Vora, was also a box office success. The prospect of a third installment with the original trio – Akshay Kumar as Raju, Suniel Shetty as Shyam, and Paresh Rawal as Baburao – had generated immense excitement among fans.
However, recent events have cast a shadow over the future of "Hera Pheri 3." Paresh Rawal's departure from the project has triggered a series of legal battles and public statements, creating uncertainty and disappointment among fans. Reports suggest that Rawal's exit was due to a combination of creative differences and contractual disagreements. Some sources indicate that the actor was uneasy about the absence of a finalized script and clarity regarding his character's trajectory.
Adding fuel to the fire, Akshay Kumar's production house, Cape of Good Films, has reportedly sent Rawal a legal notice seeking damages of ₹25 crore for breach of contract. The notice claims that Rawal accepted a signing amount of ₹11 lakh and committed to the film before abruptly exiting, causing disruptions to the production schedule and financial losses. Rawal's legal team has refuted these allegations, stating that no binding agreement was ever signed and that the signing amount was returned with interest well before any legal correspondence from Kumar's team.
Amidst the controversy, Paresh Rawal has maintained that his decision to leave "Hera Pheri 3" was rightful and that his lawyer has sent an appropriate response to Akshay Kumar's legal notice. He has also clarified that his exit was not due to creative differences with director Priyadarshan, emphasizing his respect and faith in the filmmaker.
Johnny Lever's recent statement reflects the sentiments of many fans and industry insiders who believe that Paresh Rawal's presence is essential for the success of "Hera Pheri 3." Lever, who also has a special role in the film, has urged both Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal to resolve their issues and prioritize the fans' expectations.
In addition to "Hera Pheri 3," Johnny Lever is also set to appear in "Housefull 5," scheduled for release on June 6, 2025. Lever has expressed his excitement about the film, promising audiences a laugh riot with unique characters and a hilarious storyline. He is also involved in shooting for "Welcome To The Jungle," which features the original "Hera Pheri" trio.
