The future of Hera Pheri 3 has taken another unexpected turn, leaving fans of the iconic comedy franchise disappointed. Just when it looked like the beloved trio of Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal would reunite under Priyadarshan’s direction, the veteran filmmaker has now confirmed that he is no longer attached to the project. His latest remarks have also cast fresh doubt over whether the film will ever make it to the big screen.
The update comes after producer Feroze Nadiadwala recently stated that work on Hera Pheri 3 is moving ahead, but Priyadarshan is not directing the film anymore. While the announcement itself surprised fans, the director’s own comments have raised even bigger questions about the fate of one of Bollywood’s most-awaited sequels.
Priyadarshan Breaks Silence On His Exit
Speaking about the development, Priyadarshan confirmed that he is no longer associated with Hera Pheri 3. Ending weeks of speculation, the filmmaker said, “What Feroze has said, is true. I am not associated with Hera Pheri 3 at the present.”
The director also suggested that his departure is only one part of a much larger problem surrounding the project. According to him, the film is facing several hurdles that extend beyond creative decisions. His comments indicate that the franchise continues to struggle with unresolved legal and personal matters that have delayed progress for a long time.
Priyadarshan further added, “To the best of my knowledge, Hera Pheri 3 will never hit the screen due to lots of legal issues and personal conflicts. Whether I am involved or not is unimportant.” The statement has come as a major setback for fans who had hoped the original creative team would finally bring the long-awaited sequel to life.
Legal Disputes Continue To Trouble The Franchise
The biggest challenge surrounding Hera Pheri 3 remains the ongoing legal battle over the rights to the franchise. South-based production company Seven Arts International has claimed that it owns the rights to the Hera Pheri films and its characters, a claim that producer Feroze Nadiadwala has strongly disputed. The disagreement has kept the project surrounded by uncertainty despite repeated announcements over the past few years.
Adding another layer to the controversy, representatives from Akshay Kumar’s production house had earlier stated that they acquired the film’s rights from Feroze Nadiadwala believing he was the rightful owner. With multiple parties claiming different positions regarding the ownership, the legal issues remain unresolved, making the future of the sequel increasingly complicated.
The project has also witnessed several creative setbacks during its development. One of the biggest came when Paresh Rawal briefly stepped away from the film in 2025 before eventually returning to the project. Although his comeback gave fans fresh hope, the latest developments suggest that the production still has significant obstacles to overcome.
Can Hera Pheri 3 Still Become Reality?
The Hera Pheri franchise remains one of Bollywood’s most loved comedy series even after more than two decades. The original 2000 film, directed by Priyadarshan, gradually achieved cult status and introduced audiences to the unforgettable trio of Raju, Shyam and Baburao. Its sequel, Phir Hera Pheri, directed by the late Neeraj Vora, also enjoyed commercial success and built an even stronger fan following over the years.
The possibility of seeing Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal reunite once again had generated enormous excitement across social media. Interestingly, the three actors recently shared screen space in Welcome To The Jungle, another film backed by Feroze Nadiadwala, reminding audiences why their comic chemistry continues to be so popular.
Despite producer Feroze Nadiadwala maintaining that Hera Pheri 3 is moving in the right direction, Priyadarshan’s comments paint a far less optimistic picture. Until the legal disputes are settled and the makers provide greater clarity, the future of the sequel remains uncertain, leaving fans to wonder whether Bollywood’s most iconic comedy franchise will ever get its long-awaited third chapter.
