Akshay Kumar sues Paresh Rawal for Rs 25 cr after Hera Pheri 3 exit ¡ª will this legal rift end the iconic franchise?

The upcoming Hera Pheri 3 has been making headlines, but not just for its return to the big screen. Actor and producer Akshay Kumar has taken legal action against co-star Paresh Rawal, filing a lawsuit worth Rs 25 crore. The move came after Rawal exited the film despite having signed a contract, raising concerns about delays and financial loss to the production.

Legal dispute over contract breach

According to a report in Hindustan Times, Akshay Kumar is suing Paresh Rawal through his production company, Cape of Good Films, for alleged ¡°unprofessional conduct.¡± Rawal is accused of leaving the project after it had gone into production, even though he was legally bound to participate. This legal action is a first for Akshay in his 35-year career in the film industry. Kumar reportedly purchased the rights to Hera Pheri 3 from Firoz Nadiadwala and had already begun investing in the film¡¯s production when the issue arose.

Paresh Rawal responds to exit claims

Paresh Rawal publicly confirmed his exit from the project on social media. In a tweet, he addressed speculation that he left due to creative differences, writing, ¡°I wish to put it on record that my decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 was not due to creative differences. I reiterate that there are no creative disagreement with the filmmaker. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr Priyadarshan the film director.¡±

While Rawal did not provide a specific reason, the report suggests that the actor ¡°did not feel like being a part of the film.¡± His departure came after he had already filmed scenes with Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty earlier this year.

I wish to put it on record that my decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 was not due to creative differences. I REITERATE THAT THERE ARE NO CREATIVE DISAGREEMENT WITH THE FILM MAKER . I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan the film director.

¡ª Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) May 18, 2025

Rawal¡¯s history of exits and opinions on sequels

This isn¡¯t the first time Paresh Rawal has left a project after committing. He previously exited Billu Barber, also directed by Priyadarshan, and declined to be part of Oh My God 2 in 2023, citing dissatisfaction with the script. Rawal has also spoken critically about the creative direction of sequels in general. In a past interview, he compared Hera Pheri sequels unfavourably to Lage Raho Munna Bhai, saying, ¡°You cook up the same thing when you make sequels after sequels. Everyone wants to encash on sequels but do something different with the character. There¡¯s mental bankruptcy or mental lethargy. I¡¯m doing the sequel because I don¡¯t want the film to get stuck, but there is no happiness.¡±

With a legal battle now underway, the future of Hera Pheri 3 remains uncertain. The matter brings attention to the challenges of franchise filmmaking and the consequences when key players exit mid-course.

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