The conversation around one of the most iconic comedy cults of Bollywood, Hera Pheri 3, seems to be ever-growing. After Akshay Kumar's production company, Cape of Good Films, sued Paresh Rawal for Rs 25 crore, following the confirmation of his exit from the sequel on May 18, director Priyadarshan opened up and refuted the claims made by Rawal in his recent interview with a media outlet.

A couple of days ago, Paresh Rawal, one of the musketeers from the film Hera Pheri, in an interview with Mid Day, claimed that he informed director Priyadarshan and other actors about his exit; however, Priyadarshan refuted all the claims, reported NTDV.

Moreover, the report further noted that Akshay Kumar had tears in his eyes the moment he came to know about Rawal's sudden exit.

Credit: X | @khab_resh

Following Paresh Rawal's interview, director Priyadarshan spoke to Mid Day, defending Akshay's legal action against him. He said all the contracts were signed, and ten days ago, Suniel, Akshay, and Paresh also shot a scene and the Indian Premier League teaser.

"It was only after we unanimously agreed to do Hera Pheri 3 that Akshay bought the franchise's rights. Akshay had tears in his eyes when he asked me, 'Priyan, why is Paresh doing this to us?', he said.

He went on to say that Akshay Kumar shouldn't suffer any financial losses because Paresh Rawal walked out. "I understand that he will have to take whatever action is required," he added.

Credit: X | @khab_resh

The story did not just end there. Well, during Paresh Rawal's interview, he revealed that Priyadarshan tried to change his mind after he revealed his decision to walk out. However, Priyadarshan refuted all the claims and said nothing of that sort happened.

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

As per NDTV, Priyadarshan said that Paresh never informed him that he was leaving the project, and he didn't try to stop him. “When I tried calling him, he texted, saying, 'Please don't call me. This is my decision, and it has nothing to do with you.' He also wrote that we should work together again. With me, Akshay has never cut down anybody's role. He does not interfere with a director's vision at all,” he quoted in the report.

According to the rumours, before he left, Rawal made the decision to exit from the sequel ‘Hera Pheri 3’ because he was unhappy with the remuneration. Meanwhile, following this, the rumours were confirmed as he shared a post on X (formerly called Twitter) on May 18 that he is quitting the film.