KKN Gurugram Desk | In a surprising development within the Indian film industry, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has reportedly sent a legal notice to veteran actor Paresh Rawal for abruptly walking out of the much-anticipated film Hera Pheri 3. The legal action has sparked significant industry and fan reactions, marking the first lawsuit filed by Akshay Kumar in his 35-year career.
This high-profile fallout has left the makers of Hera Pheri 3 facing a potential loss of ₹25 crore, as confirmed by sources close to the production.
What Sparked the Dispute?
According to insiders, Paresh Rawal had already signed a contract, received advance payment, and even begun filming for Hera Pheri 3. His sudden departure in the middle of production reportedly disrupted the shooting schedule and caused significant financial damage to the producers.
Akshay Kumar, who is also a co-producer on the film, is said to have initiated legal proceedings to hold Paresh Rawal accountable for what is being called “unprofessional behavior.”
Production Timeline: The Stakes Were High
Hera Pheri 3 is the third installment of one of Bollywood’s most iconic comedy franchises. With a loyal fanbase spanning over two decades, expectations were sky-high. The film’s team had already begun principal photography, and promotional activities were in early stages.
The casting of Paresh Rawal as Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, also known as “Babu Bhaiya,” was considered crucial to the film’s success. His role is among the most beloved in Indian cinema, and his unexpected exit put the entire project at risk.
Advance Payment & Contractual Obligations
According to reports from Hindustan Times and internal sources, Rawal had:
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Signed a formal agreement to play the role of Babu Bhaiya
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Received a significant advance payment for the film
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Participated in early scenes of shooting
Despite these commitments, he allegedly exited the project without prior warning or formal disengagement procedures.
Akshay Kumar’s Legal Action: Breaking Industry Norms
This marks the first time in his illustrious career that Akshay Kumar has taken legal action against a fellow actor. Industry insiders suggest that Akshay had been trying to resolve the matter privately but chose legal recourse after significant financial setbacks and no reconciliation.
A compensation claim of ₹25 crore has been made, which includes:
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Loss due to disrupted production
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Rescheduling costs
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Additional fees to re-cast and re-shoot
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Delayed release timelines
Unprofessional Conduct Allegations
A senior member of the production crew stated:
“If Mr. Paresh Rawal didn’t want to be part of the project, he should have refused at the negotiation stage. But he not only signed the agreement and accepted payment, he also began shooting. Walking out midway is deeply unprofessional and unfair to the entire cast and crew.”
This sentiment was echoed by several technicians, many of whom were hired on short-term contracts and are now uncertain about their employment status.
Paresh Rawal Confirms Exit, Clarifies Reason
Paresh Rawal, on the other hand, publicly acknowledged his decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3. However, he clarified via a social media post that the reason behind his exit was neither financial nor creative differences.
“I have stepped away from the project. The decision was personal and had nothing to do with the script, money, or co-stars. I wish the team all the best.”
This has left fans and industry professionals speculating about the real reason for his withdrawal, especially considering his long-standing friendship and successful partnership with Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty in the franchise.
Industry Fallout: What Happens to Hera Pheri 3 Now?
The sudden vacuum in the cast puts the entire film in a delicate position. Producers are now faced with three difficult options:
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Find a replacement for Babu Bhaiya, which could face massive fan backlash.
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Persuade Paresh Rawal to return, possibly with a renegotiated contract.
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Postpone or cancel the film, which could mean even greater losses.
Sources suggest that director Farhad Samji is considering a shortlist of seasoned actors to potentially replace Rawal, but no decision has been finalized yet.
Fan Reaction: Disappointment and Confusion
The Hera Pheri franchise commands a cult following, and fans were quick to express disappointment on social media. Many questioned whether the film could succeed without the original trio—Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal.
Twitter and Instagram were flooded with comments like:
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“No Babu Bhaiya, No Hera Pheri!”
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“Why can’t Bollywood just keep it simple and give us what we want?”
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“We want the original trio or nothing!”
A fan petition demanding Paresh Rawal’s return reportedly gathered over 25,000 signatures within 24 hours of the news breaking.
Financial Implications for the Producers
With reports suggesting that close to ₹20–25 crore has already been invested in the film’s early production phases—including set construction, crew contracts, and location bookings—the producers are under immense pressure.
The lawsuit filed by Akshay Kumar not only seeks to recover part of the damages but also aims to set a precedent for professional accountability in Bollywood.
Legal Perspective: What Are the Options?
Legal experts believe Akshay Kumar’s case could hold merit if:
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A signed and enforceable contract exists
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Payments can be documented
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Proof of financial loss is demonstrated
If found in breach, Paresh Rawal could be required to:
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Refund advance payments
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Pay damages
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Face restrictions on signing new projects until resolution
However, given the high-profile nature of both individuals, it is also possible that the case may be settled out of court.
Background: Legacy of the Hera Pheri Franchise
The original Hera Pheri (2000), directed by Priyadarshan, became one of India’s most iconic comedy films. The chemistry between Akshay Kumar (Raju), Suniel Shetty (Shyam), and Paresh Rawal (Babu Bhaiya) is widely regarded as the soul of the film.
The sequel, Phir Hera Pheri (2006), also performed exceptionally well, solidifying the trio as a fan favorite.
For many fans, Hera Pheri 3 was not just a movie—it was a long-awaited reunion.
The exit of Paresh Rawal from Hera Pheri 3 has not only triggered a legal battle but also placed the film’s future in jeopardy. With financial implications mounting and fan expectations at an all-time high, the coming weeks will be critical for the production team.
Whether the producers manage to bring back Rawal, successfully recast, or rewrite the story, one thing is certain: Hera Pheri 3 now carries the weight of controversy along with its cult legacy.
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