The much-anticipated comedy sequel ‘Hera Pheri 3’ faces significant turbulence following veteran actor Paresh Rawal’s abrupt departure from the project. Rawal, renowned for his portrayal of the iconic character Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, announced his exit via social media, leaving fans and the film industry in shock.
In response, Akshay Kumar’s production company, Cape of Good Films, has initiated legal proceedings against Rawal, seeking ₹25 crore in damages. The lawsuit alleges that Rawal accepted a signing amount of ₹11 lakh and had commenced shooting before unilaterally withdrawing from the film, causing financial and operational setbacks.
Director Priyadarshan and co-star Suniel Shetty have expressed surprise over Rawal’s decision, indicating a lack of prior communication regarding his departure. Shetty emphasized Rawal’s integral role in the franchise, stating that ‘Hera Pheri 3’ cannot proceed without him.
While initial reports suggested creative differences as the cause, Rawal has refuted these claims, asserting that his decision was not due to disagreements with the director. This incident marks the second time Rawal has exited a project associated with Akshay Kumar, following his earlier withdrawal from ‘OMG 2’.
The unforeseen developments have cast doubt on the future of ‘Hera Pheri 3’, a film that has already experienced multiple delays and changes in direction over the past decade. Fans now await clarity on whether the beloved franchise will continue without one of its central characters.