The status of Paresh Rawal's involvement in Hera Pheri 3 has been a rollercoaster ride for fans, filled with conflicting reports and speculation. After initial confirmations of the original trio – Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal – reuniting, Rawal's departure from the project was announced, leaving fans heartbroken.
Rawal's Initial Exit
In May 2025, Paresh Rawal officially confirmed his exit from Hera Pheri 3. Rawal clarified that his decision to step away from the film was not due to creative differences with director Priyadarshan, dispelling earlier rumors. He expressed his respect and admiration for Priyadarshan. The news of Rawal's exit triggered disappointment among fans, as his portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, affectionately known as Babu Bhaiya, is considered iconic and integral to the Hera Pheri franchise. Some fans even suggested that the film should be shelved entirely if Rawal was not part of it.
Reasons Behind the Departure
While Rawal denied creative differences as the reason for his exit, reports suggested other underlying issues. One report mentioned that Rawal had reservations about a clause in his contract stating that he would receive the balance of his payment only after the film's release, which was projected to be in late 2026 or 2027. This would mean a significant delay in receiving his full acting fees. Furthermore, it was reported that no final agreement existed between Rawal and Cape of Good Films, Akshay Kumar's production house. The script was not finalized, and there were disputes regarding the franchise rights, with original producer Firoz Nadiadwala allegedly contesting Akshay Kumar's derivative rights to make Hera Pheri 3 without him. Sources indicated that Rawal had returned his signing amount of ₹11 lakh with 15% interest.
Legal Notice and Aftermath
Following Rawal's departure, Akshay Kumar's production house reportedly sent him a legal notice demanding ₹25 crore in damages for "sabotaging" Hera Pheri 3. According to claims by Akshay's company, Rawal behaved unprofessionally by quitting after signing a contract and commencing filming in April. Rawal's lawyer responded to the legal notice, asserting his rightful termination and exit.
Akshay Kumar's Response
Amidst the uncertainty, Akshay Kumar offered a reassuring statement to fans, saying, "Whatever is happening is happening in front of you... Keeping my fingers crossed. I hope everything goes well. Everything will go well only. I know, for sure".
The "Three Heroes" Tweet
Adding a twist to the saga, Paresh Rawal responded to a fan's request to return to Hera Pheri 3 by stating, "NO… There are Three Heroes in Hera Pheri," referring to himself, Akshay Kumar, and Suniel Shetty. This sparked speculation about a possible reconciliation and return to the film.
As of June 2025, the situation remains unclear. While some reports suggest that the issues have been resolved and Rawal is set to return, there has been no official confirmation from the makers. The future of Hera Pheri 3 hangs in the balance, with fans eagerly awaiting a resolution to this casting drama.
