The drama around Hera Pheri and its long-delayed third installment just refuses to slow down. Fresh reports now claim that Paresh Rawal has once again stepped away from Hera Pheri 3, creating more confusion around a project that already seems trapped in endless legal and production trouble. According to recent reports, the actor has reportedly returned his signing amount of ₹11 lakh along with 15 percent interest, though Paresh himself still has not publicly confirmed the exit.
Fans were already worried because the film has spent years stuck between lawsuits, changing plans, and behind-the-scenes disagreements. Now this latest update has only made people wonder whether the cult comedy franchise will actually happen anytime soon. The chemistry between Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Suniel Shetty is considered the soul of the franchise, so even rumors about one actor leaving instantly shake audience confidence.
Priyadarshan Reacts To Paresh Rawal Exit Buzz
Director Priyadarshan, who is attached to direct the third film, recently reacted to the reports while speaking to ETimes. But instead of clearing things up, his response honestly created even more mystery. When asked about Paresh Rawal’s future in the movie, Priyadarshan reportedly said, “I am not aware.”
This is not even the first time Paresh Rawal’s departure has created headlines around the film. Back in 2025, reports claimed Akshay Kumar had filed a ₹25 crore lawsuit after Paresh suddenly walked away from the project during earlier stages of development. That issue was eventually resolved and Paresh returned to the film afterward. The actor also continued working with Akshay and Priyadarshan on other projects including Bhooth Bangla, which made fans believe everything between the trio was finally stable again.
But “Hera Pheri 3” has never really managed to escape uncertainty for too long. The film keeps running into one issue after another, and every few months another major setback appears. That’s partly why many fans now feel nervous whenever new updates surface around the franchise.
Akshay Kumar Already Admitted The Film Is Stuck
Earlier this year, Akshay Kumar himself openly admitted that the project is currently not moving ahead. During an interview with journalist Subhankar Mishra, the actor revealed that “Hera Pheri 3” is basically on hold because of multiple unresolved issues connected to agreements and legal matters. He clarified that the problem is not between the three actors personally since all of them are still working together on Welcome to the Jungle.
Akshay also joked that he hopes the movie gets made before all of them become too old for it. The comment sounded funny, but honestly it also reflected the frustration surrounding the project. Fans have already waited many years for the original trio to reunite properly, and every delay only increases disappointment.
The legal side of the matter has become especially messy. Production company Seven Arts International reportedly filed a case claiming producer Sajid Nadiadwala only had rights to remake the Malayalam film Ramji Rao Speaking once, which eventually became the original “Hera Pheri” released in 2000.
According to those claims, the rights agreement did not allow further sequels like Phir Hera Pheri or later transfer of rights to Akshay Kumar’s production banner Cape of Good Films. Those disputes reportedly became one of the biggest reasons the third film keeps getting delayed again and again.
At this point, “Hera Pheri 3” almost feels larger as a controversy than an actual movie in production. Still, because the franchise has such massive nostalgia attached to it, fans continue hoping the original trio somehow returns together one last time.
