Akshay Kumar Breaks Silence on Hera Pheri 3 Amid Paresh Rawal’s Exit: ‘Fingers Crossed’

The unexpected departure of Paresh Rawal from the much-anticipated Hera Pheri 3 has deeply disappointed fans who were eager to see him return as the iconic Baburao.

In an earlier interaction with The Lallantop, Rawal had referred to the character as a “gale ka fanda.” Despite public disappointment, the controversy continues to evolve, with legal actions and public statements adding layers to the situation.

Akshay Kumar Responds to the Ongoing Dispute

While promoting his upcoming film Kannappa, Akshay Kumar spoke about the status of Hera Pheri 3 and the surrounding controversy.

In an interview with Pinkvilla, Kumar said, “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.” His comments expressed both hope and confidence in resolving the issue.

Legal Repercussions Following Rawal’s Exit

Rawal’s sudden decision to quit led Akshay Kumar’s production company, Cape of Good Films, to file a ₹25 crore lawsuit against him.

The suit was based on Rawal initially committing to the project and later disrupting production schedules and planning with his unexpected withdrawal. In response, Rawal returned the signing amount for Hera Pheri 3, including the interest.

Reasons Behind Paresh Rawal’s Decision

In multiple interviews, Rawal shared that he was dissatisfied with the shift in tone seen in Phir Hera Pheri (2006), which deviated from the humour the franchise was known for.

Due to that, he demanded a completed script before agreeing to join Hera Pheri 3. Ultimately, he opted out, citing lack of clarity and multiple producers vying for control.

Clarifications on Exit and Creative Differences

Paresh Rawal, while denying creative disagreements with director Priyadarshan, stated in an interview with Mid-Day, “I love Priyadarshan and have great respect and faith in him as a director. We have done wonderful movies together in the past and will continue to do so.

There were no creative differences, nor is there a possibility of having any with him. No amount of money compares to the love and respect of my audience. Right now, I just felt it is a role that I don’t want to do, that’s all.”

Later, in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Rawal shared, “My lawyer, Ameet Naik, has sent an appropriate response regarding my rightful termination and exit. Once they read my response, all issues will be laid to rest.”

Akshay Kumar’s Legal Team Comments on the Matter

Pooja Tidke, Joint Managing Partner at Parinam Law Associates, which represents Akshay Kumar’s banner, told PTI, “I think there will be severe legal consequences. It’s, of course, hurt the franchise.

We have written to him letting him know that there are a lot of legal consequences involved. There have been expenses incurred towards the cast, the crew, senior actors, logistics, equipment, and the shooting of the trailer.”

She emphasized that substantial investments had already been made when Rawal exited the film, intensifying the impact on production.

Reaction from Co-Star Suniel Shetty

Suniel Shetty, another core member of the franchise, shared that he was unaware of Rawal’s exit until his children informed him.

“Athiya and Ahan sent the news to me, asking, ‘Papa, what is this?’ And I was here doing my interviews, and I felt like, ‘Holy s***,’” he told India Today. Speaking to ANI, he remarked that without Rawal, “there is a 100% chance that the movie will not work.”

Akshay Kumar on Supporting Rawal Despite Fallout

Even though his production company filed a lawsuit, Akshay Kumar stood by his longtime co-star when a reporter referred to Rawal’s decision as “foolish.”

Kumar said, “Let me first tell you that using a word like ‘foolish’ for my co-star is something I won’t appreciate. It is not right. I have worked with him for the last 32 years. We are very good friends. He is a great actor. I really admire him.”

What’s Next for Akshay Kumar

On the professional front, Akshay Kumar is preparing for his role as Lord Shiva in the Telugu fantasy mythological film Kannappa, which also stars Prabhas and Mohanlal.

The film is scheduled to release in theatres on June 27, 2025. Kumar was last seen in Housefull 5, which had a successful run at the box office.

Despite the legal and emotional complexities surrounding Hera Pheri 3, Kumar remains hopeful that the situation will resolve and the film will move forward.