Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has finally addressed the swirling uncertainty surrounding Hera Pheri 3, following the unexpected exit of veteran actor Paresh Rawal, who famously portrayed the iconic character Baburao Ganpatrao Apte. The third installment of the beloved comedy franchise has been mired in controversy, but Kumar’s recent comments offer a glimmer of hope for fans.
A Franchise in Flux
The Hera Pheri series, known for its cult status and timeless humor, was jolted in May 2025 when Paresh Rawal confirmed his departure from the project. His exit reportedly stemmed from dissatisfaction over contractual terms and the absence of a finalized script. The situation escalated when Akshay Kumar’s production house, Cape of Good Films, served Rawal with a ₹25 crore legal notice for breach of commitment2.
Despite the legal tensions, Rawal returned his ₹11 lakh advance with interest, asserting that no binding agreement was in place. He also clarified that his decision was not due to creative differences, expressing continued respect for director Priyadarshan.
Akshay Kumar’s Reassurance
While promoting his upcoming film Kannappa, Akshay Kumar was asked about the status of Hera Pheri 3. His response was cautiously optimistic: “Whatever is happening is happening in front of you. Keeping my fingers crossed. I hope everything goes well. Everything will go well only. I know, for sure”2.
Kumar’s statement, though cryptic, suggests that the project is still alive and that efforts are underway to resolve the internal conflicts. Fans are now speculating whether Rawal’s exit is final or part of a larger publicity strategy.
As the fate of Hera Pheri 3 hangs in the balance, one thing is clear—Akshay Kumar remains committed to reviving the franchise, and audiences are eagerly waiting to see if the original trio will reunite once more.