Akshay Kumar to Sue Paresh Rawal for ₹25 Crore Over Exit from 'Hera Pheri 3'

The much-awaited Bollywood comedy sequel Hera Pheri 3 has been hit by controversy, as veteran actor Paresh Rawal, known for his iconic role as Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, has reportedly walked out of the film. In response, Akshay Kumar, who is both starring in and producing the film, has decided to take legal action against Rawal, demanding ₹25 crore in damages.

According to sources close to the production, Paresh Rawal had signed a contract and was part of the early shooting schedule for the film. Akshay Kumar’s production company, Cape of Good Films, has alleged that Rawal’s sudden exit disrupted the production schedule and led to considerable financial losses. The legal notice accuses Rawal of unprofessional behavior and breach of contract.

It is reported that Rawal was being paid over three times his standard fee for reprising the beloved character of Baburao. Despite these favorable terms, his decision to leave the project has taken both the cast and crew by surprise.

Paresh Rawal responded to the news on social media, clarifying that his exit was not due to creative differences with director Priyadarshan. He expressed deep respect for the filmmaker and denied any disputes over the direction of the film. His statement, however, did not fully explain the reasons behind his decision to leave.

The news has disappointed fans of the franchise, many of whom consider Baburao a cornerstone of the Hera Pheri universe. It remains uncertain whether the production will recast the role or attempt to persuade Rawal to return.

Suniel Shetty, who is also reprising his role in the film, expressed shock and disappointment at Rawal’s sudden move. He mentioned that neither he nor Akshay Kumar had prior knowledge of Rawal’s intentions to step away from the project. Director Priyadarshan echoed this sentiment, stating that Rawal’s withdrawal came without warning and has affected the team’s morale. He acknowledged Akshay Kumar’s significant investment and labeled the lawsuit a natural consequence under the circumstances.

The Hera Pheri franchise, which began with the 2000 cult classic, remains one of Indian cinema’s most loved comedy series. The original trio—Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal—had captivated audiences with their chemistry and comic timing. Hera Pheri 3 was being hailed as a major comeback for the franchise, especially after Akshay Kumar secured the rights from the former producer Feroz Nadiadwala.

With filming already in progress, the sudden exit of a key character has created uncertainty around the project. Fans are now eagerly waiting to see how the filmmakers address this unexpected twist in the story of Hera Pheri 3.