The upcoming Hera Pheri 3 has been making headlines, but not just for its return to the big screen. Actor and producer Akshay Kumar has taken legal action against co-star Paresh Rawal, filing a lawsuit worth Rs 25 crore. The move came after Rawal exited the film despite having signed a contract, raising concerns about delays and financial loss to the production.

According to a report in Hindustan Times, Akshay Kumar is suing Paresh Rawal through his production company, Cape of Good Films, for alleged “unprofessional conduct.” Rawal is accused of leaving the project after it had gone into production, even though he was legally bound to participate. This legal action is a first for Akshay in his 35-year career in the film industry. Kumar reportedly purchased the rights to Hera Pheri 3 from Firoz Nadiadwala and had already begun investing in the film’s production when the issue arose.

Paresh Rawal publicly confirmed his exit from the project on social media. In a tweet, he addressed speculation that he left due to creative differences, writing, “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 filmmaker. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr Priyadarshan the film director.”

While Rawal did not provide a specific reason, the report suggests that the actor “did not feel like being a part of the film.” His departure came after he had already filmed scenes with Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty earlier this year.

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

This isn’t the first time Paresh Rawal has left a project after committing. He previously exited Billu Barber, also directed by Priyadarshan, and declined to be part of Oh My God 2 in 2023, citing dissatisfaction with the script. Rawal has also spoken critically about the creative direction of sequels in general. In a past interview, he compared Hera Pheri sequels unfavourably to Lage Raho Munna Bhai, saying, “You cook up the same thing when you make sequels after sequels. Everyone wants to encash on sequels but do something different with the character. There’s mental bankruptcy or mental lethargy. I’m doing the sequel because I don’t want the film to get stuck, but there is no happiness.”

With a legal battle now underway, the future of Hera Pheri 3 remains uncertain. The matter brings attention to the challenges of franchise filmmaking and the consequences when key players exit mid-course.

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