The much-anticipated third installment of the Hera Pheri franchise has hit a dramatic off-screen hurdle, as a legal dispute has erupted between veteran actor Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar’s production house, Cape of Good Films. The conflict stems from Rawal’s sudden withdrawal from Hera Pheri 3, which the production company claims has caused significant financial and reputational damage to the film.
Legal Allegations and Notice
According to a legal notice sent by Cape of Good Films, Paresh Rawal had formally committed to the project by signing a term sheet on March 27, 2025, and had received a signing fee of ₹11 lakh. The production house further stated that Rawal actively participated in the promotional teaser shoot on April 3, engaged in multiple creative discussions, and even filmed over three minutes of footage alongside co-stars Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty.
However, his abrupt exit, citing what the company describes as “vague creative dissatisfaction,” has reportedly disrupted shooting schedules, led to monetary losses in logistics and crew payments, and derailed pre-planned marketing strategies. Cape of Good Films has pegged the total damage at ₹25 crore, warning of possible civil and criminal proceedings if the issue is not resolved within seven days.
Paresh Rawal Responds
In response, Paresh Rawal took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to issue a public statement. “No amount of money compares to the love and respect of my audience… Right now, I just feel that it is a role I don’t want to do, that’s all,” he wrote. Rawal insisted that his decision was personal, not rooted in creative disputes, and that he holds no ill-will towards the team.
Backing his words with action, Rawal returned the full ₹11 lakh signing amount with 15% annual interest, along with an additional sum as a goodwill gesture. His lawyer, Ameet Naik, has also sent a formal reply to the legal notice, and the actor expressed hope that the issue would be resolved amicably.
Reactions from the Team
Director Priyadarshan, who helmed the original 2000 hit and returned for Hera Pheri 3, expressed shock at Rawal’s exit. In an interview with Hindustan Times, he said, “Akshay asked me to check with both Paresh and Suniel before we began, and both were on board. I don’t know why this happened because Paresh didn’t inform us. Akshay has invested money, and that could be why he’s taking legal action.”
Co-star Suniel Shetty, another longstanding pillar of the franchise, echoed the sentiment, saying the promotional shoot had already taken place and that Rawal’s departure was both unexpected and confusing.
Industry Fallout and Franchise Impact
The legal team representing Cape of Good Films, led by Pooja Tidke of Parinam Law Associates, elaborated on the impact. “There’s reputational damage for the committed cast, disappointment among the fans, and severe professional disruption,” she stated. The notice emphasized that Rawal’s exit has not only harmed the production’s momentum but also threatened the goodwill built over two decades by the much-loved franchise.
The Hera Pheri series, known for its cult status and comic brilliance, has long enjoyed a massive fan following. The unexpected controversy and legal wrangling have left fans disheartened and the production in limbo. Whether Hera Pheri 3 can move forward with its original spirit and cast remains uncertain as both parties seek to resolve the conflict.
