News of Paresh Rawal's sudden exit from Hera Pheri 3 has sent shockwaves through social media. The decision has reportedly left the film's director, Priyadarshan, actor Akshay Kumar, and the entire team surprised and disappointed.
Entertainment: The third installment of Bollywood's famous comedy franchise, Hera Pheri, was in the works, but Paresh Rawal's abrupt departure has created a sensation within the film industry and among fans. Rawal, who has captivated audiences for years as Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, has opted out of Hera Pheri 3, leading to speculation about the future of the iconic trio.
A new development in this controversy reveals that Rawal has returned his signing amount, adding another intriguing layer to the situation.
Return of ₹15 Crore Fee and Signing Amount
According to reports by Bollywood Hagama, Paresh Rawal was offered a total fee of ₹15 crore for Hera Pheri 3. He had already received ₹11 lakh as a signing amount. The remaining ₹14.89 crore was to be paid after the film's release, along with a 15% interest. However, Rawal reportedly expressed reservations about the film's release, slated for 2026 or 2027.
Media reports also suggest that Rawal objected to his salary being withheld for two years, given the anticipated lengthy shooting and release schedule. This led to his distancing from the project and eventual withdrawal. While there were reports of the makers filing a ₹25 crore lawsuit against Rawal, it has now emerged that he has returned his signing amount, potentially mitigating the legal dispute.
The Breakup of the Hera Pheri Trio
The first two Hera Pheri films were box office successes, and the trio of Paresh Rawal, Akshay Kumar, and Sunil Shetty were hugely popular with audiences. Rawal's decision has therefore reportedly surprised not only the production house but also Akshay Kumar and Sunil Shetty. His exit before the film's official announcement will impact both promotion and shooting.
Akshay Kumar, also a producer of the film, had high hopes for this franchise. With Rawal's departure, the producers may need to consider alternative options. However, no official statement has yet been released by Rawal or the filmmakers regarding future steps.
A New Twist in the Legal Dispute
Initially, reports suggested that Rawal had accepted the signing fee but left the film, prompting threats of legal action from the production house. However, the news that Rawal has returned his signing amount suggests he may be aiming to avoid a court battle and seek an amicable resolution.
It is speculated that Rawal's disagreement over his fee and payment schedule is at the heart of this controversy. The long delay until the film's release led him to seek immediate payment, while the makers intended to hold it until release.
Hera Pheri 3's release was scheduled for 2026 or 2027, but Rawal's exit has raised questions about the film's shooting schedule and overall plans. The makers are now reportedly considering whether to replace Rawal or postpone the project altogether. Fans are also debating whether Baburao's character can be effectively portrayed without Rawal, or if a new actor can successfully fill his shoes.
