Hera Pheri 3: From Reunion to Legal Drama
What was supposed to be the triumphant return of the Hera Pheri franchise with its original trio — Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal — has instead turned into a legal and PR war.
“Akshay Bought The Rights For ₹10 Crore” – Priyadarshan Settles The Dispute
The latest development comes from Hera Pheri 3 director Priyadarshan, who has stepped in to put to rest all speculation that Firoz Nadiadwala still owns the cult franchise.
In his recent statement from Hyderabad, where he is currently overseeing the post-production of his upcoming film Bhooth Bangla, Priyadarshan said:
“Akshay bought the entire rights of the Hera Pheri franchise from Firoz Nadiadwala for ₹10 crore. I have seen the paperwork. This is not just for Part 3, this is for the entire franchise.”
He went on to add that it was only after Akshay showed him the full agreement and his intellectual property rights that he agreed to come onboard as director of Hera Pheri 3.
Paresh Rawal’s Exit Sparks Legal Confusion
This clarification comes after actor Paresh Rawal distanced himself from the project altogether, and his legal team issued a statement saying that he never received a full script or formal agreement, which caused him to forfeit the signing amount of ₹11 lakh — with interest.
Adding fuel to the fire, Rawal’s team said that Firoz Nadiadwala had sent a legal notice to him and everyone involved in the making of the movie, indicating that they could not promote the film, and he believed he still owned the IP rights to the characters and franchise.
The situation baffled. Nadiadwala’s potential legal notice also involved director Priyadarshan, even though Priyadarshan alleged he had fully understood and embraced the rights transfer.
Akshay Kumar: “It’s a Serious Matter. Let The Courts Take The Call.”
During the May 27 launch of the Housefull 5 trailer, Akshay Kumar was asked about the Hera Pheri 3 controversy.
When a journalist referred to Rawal’s departure as “foolish”, Akshay responded diplomatically:
“Using a word like ‘foolish’ against my co-star, I’d not take with appreciation. This is not right. We’ve been working together for 32 years. He’s a brilliant actor and a friend.”
Though, Akshay would not be drawn any further into the controversy:
“This is a serious matter and will be sorted in the courts. I don’t think I am going to say anymore.”
A Franchise Suffering From Humour & Court Battle
Hera Pheri 3 was originally meant to be a grand reunion, rekindling the magic of Babu Bhaiya, Raju, and Shyam together on screen. As it stands, it is now an emotionally and legally confused mess. With Priyadarshan’s statement, it seems the ownership battle is leaning towards Akshay Kumar, but only time — and the courts — will tell.
The film is still expected to go in front of cameras late this year, but without Paresh Rawal, it may just lack its heart.
➤ Also Read: “Don’t Call Him Foolish”: Akshay Kumar Defends Paresh Rawal Amid Hera Pheri 3 Fallout, Calls It ‘A Serious Matter’
Box Office Worldwide’s Verdict
What started as a comedic legacy is now the subject of courtroom drama. But Priyadarshan confirming Akshay Kumar’s legal ownership of Hera Pheri means that there is one thing we can be sure of – this is not about a film; it’s about preserving one of India’s most beloved franchises.
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