Akshay Kumar Sues Paresh Rawal for ₹25 Crore Over Hera Pheri 3 Exit
| 2025-05-20
Akshay Kumar files ₹25 crore lawsuit against Paresh Rawal
Akshay Kumar files ₹25 crore lawsuit against Paresh Rawal for abruptly quitting Hera Pheri 3, citing breach of contract and production disruption.
The long-awaited third instalment of the Hera Pheri comedy franchise has become embroiled in controversy after one of its principal actors, Paresh Rawal, exited the project mid-way through filming. Akshay Kumar, who is both lead actor and producer of the film under his banner Cape of Good Films, has filed a legal notice against Rawal, alleging breach of contract and financial losses amounting to ₹25 crore (approximately US$3 million).
According to sources close to the production, filming commenced in April 2025 with the original trio—Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal—reuniting under the direction of veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan. The announcement had generated significant excitement among fans of the franchise, known for its comedic timing and enduring characters.
However, Rawal’s sudden exit, despite reportedly having been paid in full for his role, has disrupted production plans. The actor’s decision became public through a statement he posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), where he wrote: “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 message sparked confusion and criticism within the industry, particularly as it appeared to contradict earlier reports suggesting creative disputes were behind the departure.
Allegations of Unprofessional Conduct
An industry insider involved with the production, speaking on condition of anonymity, described Rawal’s decision as “extremely unprofessional,” noting that the actor had not only signed a binding contract but had also received a portion of his remuneration.
“These are not just films; they are multi-crore investments involving extensive planning and the livelihoods of hundreds of crew members,” the source stated. “His sudden withdrawal, especially after beginning work on the film, has thrown schedules into disarray.”
Cape of Good Films is reportedly pursuing legal action to recover financial losses stemming from delays, recasting requirements, and reputational damage. While neither Akshay Kumar nor his representatives have issued a formal public comment, the legal action appears to be aimed at setting a precedent regarding contractual obligations in the Indian film industry.
Past Precedents and Industry Reactions
This is not the first time Paresh Rawal has walked away from a film after committing to it. In 2023, he opted out of Oh My God 2, also a high-profile sequel, reportedly due to dissatisfaction with the script. A decade earlier, in 2009, he similarly exited Billu, a film produced by Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment.
Industry insiders suggest such instances reflect a broader concern within Indian cinema around accountability and professional ethics.
“Bollywood is evolving, and so are its business practices,” another source close to the production told Hindustan Times. “Actors can no longer treat contracts as informal agreements. This lawsuit may finally drive that point home.”
The Future of Hera Pheri 3
The legal dispute has cast uncertainty over the production of Hera Pheri 3, a film already under intense public scrutiny due to its legacy and the popularity of its characters. Fans have expressed disappointment over the developments, especially given Rawal’s portrayal of the character ‘Baburao Ganpatrao Apte’, widely regarded as iconic in Indian pop culture.
No replacement for Rawal has yet been announced, and it is unclear whether the role will be recast or re-written. Meanwhile, Suniel Shetty, who completes the trilogy’s original trio, has not commented on the issue.
Context:
The Hera Pheri franchise, first launched in 2000, is one of Indian cinema’s most successful comedy series. The first two films achieved cult status, with fans eagerly awaiting a third entry for nearly two decades.
Akshay Kumar, who acquired the rights to the franchise from original producer Sajid Nadiadwala, had hoped to reinvigorate interest in Indian comedy franchises with Hera Pheri 3. The film's delay and ongoing legal complications highlight the growing complexities of Bollywood’s evolving production landscape, where commercial stakes and contractual commitments increasingly mirror those of global film industries.
As the legal proceedings unfold, all eyes will remain on whether the filmmakers proceed with a re-casting or manage to reconcile the dispute behind the scenes. Either way, the situation marks a rare and public rupture between two of Indian cinema’s most seasoned actors.
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