The much-anticipated comedy sequel Hera Pheri 3 has landed in controversy after veteran actor Paresh Rawal reportedly exited the film midway through its shoot. In response, Akshay Kumar’s production house, Cape Of Good Films, has allegedly sent a legal notice to Rawal, seeking ₹25 crore in damages. The news, which broke on May 20, has left the film’s cast and crew stunned.
Suniel Shetty, who reprises his beloved role as Shyam in the franchise, expressed complete shock over the development. While promoting his new film Kesari Veer in Delhi, he told India Today, “I have no clue about this. This is absolutely shocking. I first thought about texting him, and then I thought I’d meet him and would discuss it. I have had no word about it with anybody as to what happened.”
Shetty revealed that he learned about Rawal’s abrupt exit from his children, Athiya and Ahaan Shetty. “They both sent it to me within 15 minutes, asking, ‘Papa, what is this?’ And I was here doing interviews. I felt like—holy s***,” he said, highlighting how blindsided he felt.
Calling the situation a “crisis,” Shetty added, “We are in the middle of this film, and this is the biggest shock. We had already started, in fact. We shot a promo. It’s a big thing. This is so shocking. I can’t make sense of this.”
Reports suggest that even Akshay Kumar is “clueless” about the reason for Paresh Rawal’s departure, as confirmed by Shetty. Director Priyadarshan, who returned to helm the third part of the franchise, also expressed dismay, stating that Rawal did not inform the team about his decision.
Akshay Kumar had bought the rights to Hera Pheri 3 from producer Feroz Nadiadwala, making him one of the key producers of the sequel. The film had officially begun its promotional shoot earlier this year and was expected to go into full production in 2025.
The Hera Pheri franchise, launched in 2000, became a cult classic in Indian cinema, especially due to the character Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, portrayed by Paresh Rawal. The sequel Phir Hera Pheri was released in 2006, and the third installment has been in the works for nearly two years.
Reflecting on the importance of the film, Suniel Shetty emotionally stated, “You know, this film is important for our mental health. I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
As fans await clarity on the future of Hera Pheri 3, the controversy has cast a shadow over what was one of the most eagerly awaited reunions in Bollywood comedy history.
