The long-awaited Hera Pheri 3 is back on track as Paresh Rawal has officially confirmed his return to the film. The actor, who plays the iconic Babu Bhaiya, recently ended a legal dispute with Akshay Kumar’s production house. Fans of the franchise can now look forward to seeing the original trio—Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal—reunite on screen.
Paresh Rawal Ends Controversy, Says “All Issues Resolved”
The controversy began when Paresh Rawal suddenly exited Hera Pheri 3, leading to a lawsuit from Akshay Kumar’s production company. The legal notice demanded ₹25 crore in damages for breach of contract. However, in a recent interview on The Himanshu Mehta Show, Rawal confirmed that the issues have been resolved.
“Nahi, controversy kuchh nahi hai. Kya hota hai ki jab cheez itni logon ko bhaati hai, tab we have to be extra careful. It is our responsibility for the audience. Ki audience baithi hai aapko itna pyaar karti hai. You can’t take things for granted. Mehnat karke unko do. Toh mera ye hi hai ki sab aaye saath mein, mehnat karein. Aur kuchh nahi. But ye kuchh hua nahi hai. It is all resolved now.”
(No, there is no controversy. What happens is that when something is loved by so many people, we have to be extra careful. It is our responsibility towards the audience. The audience loves you so much, you can’t take that for granted. You have to give them your best through hard work. So, my view is that everyone should come together and work hard. Nothing else. But nothing has actually happened. It is all resolved now.)
Rawal also mentioned that the film’s director, Priyadarshan, and co-stars Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty, are all close friends. He emphasized that creative differences were part of the process and have now been settled.
Legal Battle and Financial Settlement
Before the resolution, the dispute had turned serious. Akshay Kumar’s legal team warned of “severe legal consequences” after Rawal exited the project. Reports stated that Paresh Rawal had returned the ₹11 lakh signing amount with 15% interest to the production house. His total fee for the film was set at ₹15 crore, with the remaining amount to be paid after the movie’s release.
“Paresh Rawal has returned the signing amount of ₹11 lakhs with 15% p.a. interest and also a little more money for stepping away from the series.”
Despite the legal tension, Akshay Kumar publicly defended Rawal when a journalist called his exit “foolish.”
“Firstly, I’ll like to tell you that using such kind of word for my co-star, foolish, is something I’d not appreciate. That’s not right. I have been working with him for the last 32 years. We are very good friends. He’s a great actor. I really admire him.”
Suniel Shetty’s Role in Reconciliation
Suniel Shetty, who plays Shyam in the franchise, was deeply affected by Rawal’s exit. He had earlier stated that Hera Pheri 3 would not work without the original trio.
“If it was Hera Pheri, if it wasn’t Babu Bhai (Paresh Rawal) and Raju (Akshay Kumar), Shyam (Suniel Shetty) wouldn’t exist, and Shyam has no meaning. And you take any one of them out, and the film doesn’t work.”
Shetty had also planned to meet Rawal to discuss the issue and help resolve the conflict. His efforts, along with the legal settlement, appear to have played a role in bringing Rawal back.
Fan Reactions to Paresh Rawal’s Return
Fans of the Hera Pheri series expressed immense relief and excitement over Rawal’s return. Social media was flooded with celebratory messages.
“BEST NEWS OF THE DAY Hera Pheri 3 is coming soon. All the differences between makers and Babu bhaiya resolved. Eagerly waiting to watch the trio Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal.”
Another fan wrote:
“I’m so so happy for akki paresh rawal and Sunil shetty (HP3).”
With the legal issues resolved, the film is expected to proceed as planned. Priyadarshan, who directed the original Hera Pheri (2000), will helm the third installment. The movie is likely to begin principal shooting soon, with a possible release in 2026 or 2027.
Also Read: Paresh Rawal Sparks Confusion With Tweet About Hera Pheri 3 Return; Fans Wonder If He’s Back
With the original team back together, Hera Pheri 3 is now one of the most anticipated Bollywood releases.
Credits: Pinkvilla
