Franchise in Crisis: Paresh Rawal’s Exit Sparks Legal Storm
In a shocking development that has sent ripples across the Bollywood industry, actor Akshay Kumar has issued a legal notice worth ₹25 crore to veteran actor Paresh Rawal. The reason? Rawal’s abrupt departure from the much-anticipated film Hera Pheri 3, despite having signed the contract and reportedly begun filming.
Akshay, through his production house Cape of Good Films, claims Paresh Rawal’s withdrawal is not only unprofessional but has also led to substantial financial and emotional setbacks, both for the production team and millions of fans awaiting the trio’s reunion on screen.
The Return That Never Was
Fans of the Hera Pheri franchise had been overjoyed when Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal reunited under the direction of Priyadarshan earlier this year. The film, already carrying the weight of two iconic predecessors, was seen as a revival of the golden era of Bollywood comedy.
However, the excitement was short-lived. Rawal, best known for his legendary portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, opted out of the project midway, sending shockwaves through the entertainment world. His exit has disrupted production and left a void that’s proving difficult to fill.
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Rawal Responds: ‘No Creative Differences’
Addressing the controversy, in a post on (formerly Twitter), Paresh Rawal took to social media to clarify his stance.
“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 DISAGREEMENTS WITH THE FILMMAKER. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan.”
Despite this public statement, the legal notice accuses Rawal of violating contractual obligations and displaying a lack of commitment toward the project.
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.
— Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) May 18, 2025
Three Times the Pay, Still No Show?
Sources close to the production reveal that Rawal was offered triple his usual remuneration for his role in Hera Pheri 3. Yet, he allegedly chose to walk out after accepting the signing amount and beginning the shoot. This isn’t the first time the actor has exited a film unexpectedly. In 2023, he refused to do Oh My God 2, citing script issues. A similar incident occurred in 2009 when he opted out of Billu, which starred Shah Rukh Khan.
Legal Action and Industry Backlash
The legal notice, reportedly seeking ₹25 crore in damages, outlines the financial and reputational loss incurred due to Rawal’s sudden withdrawal. According to different sources.
“If he wasn’t interested, he should have said so before signing. He accepted money, started shooting, and then left. That’s not just unprofessional—it’s damaging.”
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