After years of anticipation and countless rumours, the third instalment of the beloved Hera Pheri franchise is again under the spotlight this time for the reasons delaying its release. Legendary actor Paresh Rawal has recently shared the most comprehensive update yet on why Hera Pheri 3 has not yet gone into full production, and he points to unresolved issues involving Akshay Kumar and the film’s producers rather than his own involvement.
In an interview on The Lavari Show, Rawal confirmed what many fans have been wondering: Hera Pheri 3 is still planned, and it will definitely be made. However, the film’s progress has stalled due to what he describes as a “technical issue” between Akshay Kumar and the makers of the movie. Rawal was careful to dismiss rumours about his own role in the delay, emphasising that the problem lies elsewhere and will be resolved once the parties involved sort it out.
Delay Not Caused by Rawal
Rawal stressed that he has no direct involvement in the hold-up. “Nothing to do with me,” he said, clarifying that the ongoing delay is a matter for the lead actor and the producers to resolve. He also addressed persistent social media rumours about legal disputes such as reports claiming Akshay Kumar filed a lawsuit against him for ₹25 crore calling those reports exaggerated and akin to “kachva chaap agarbatti.”
This isn’t the first time the franchise’s third chapter has faced complications. In 2025, reports indicated a legal notice from Akshay Kumar’s production house, Cape of Good Films LLP, accusing Rawal of breaching contract terms after his abrupt exit from the project. At that time, Rawal had returned his signing amount of ₹11 lakh with interest, and the producers were reportedly seeking damages of up to ₹25 crore. Rawal’s legal team responded to those notices, asserting that the issues would be resolved in due course.
The Importance of Baburao to the Franchise
Rawal also spoke about the cultural weight his character, Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, carries for the series. The Hera Pheri films directed by Priyadarshan became iconic largely because of the chemistry between Baburao, Raju (played by Akshay Kumar) and Shyam (played by Suniel Shetty). Rawal warned that attempting to produce the third film without his involvement would be “a disaster,” underlining how crucial his character is to the story’s humour and fan appeal.
The Hera Pheri franchise began with the 2000 hit based on the Malayalam film Ramji Rao Speaking, followed by Phir Hera Pheri in 2006. Both films became cult favourites and left an indelible mark in Indian comedy cinema. Fans have been eagerly waiting for the trilogy to conclude with a proper third chapter that reunites the original trio.
Backstory: Legal and Contract Issues
The journey of Hera Pheri 3 has been complicated. In early 2025, Rawal shocked fans by announcing his exit from the film amid reports of disagreements over contractual terms, including pay clauses and the screenplay. The legal notice from Akshay’s banner added fuel to speculation that the film might be in jeopardy. In response, Rawal’s legal team issued replies, and both sides prepared for a courtroom showdown that grabbed headlines.
Later in 2025, reports emerged that Rawal and the production were in discussions about returning to the project after resolving the issue, and at one point Rawal was quoted saying that the matter had been “fine-tuned.” However, clarity on whether the old dispute was fully behind them was limited, as both legal and creative discussions continued behind closed doors.
Current Status of the Film
As of late January 2026, there’s no official shooting schedule announced, and no release date has been confirmed. Fans and industry observers continue to speculate about the next steps, but Rawal’s recent comments give one clear message: Hera Pheri 3 is not dead. On the contrary, the project will happen — but only once the unresolved differences between Akshay Kumar and the producers are addressed. Rawal emphasises he is ready to sign onto the film once that issue is finished.
Industry Reaction and Fan Sentiment
The response to Rawal’s update has been mixed. Many fans welcomed the reassurance that the sequel will eventually be made with the original cast, including Rawal, Kumar and Shetty. Others remain sceptical due to the repeated delays over the years and the legal wrangling that played out in public in 2025. Still, the enduring popularity of Hera Pheri keeps hopes alive for a resolution that satisfies both audiences and the creative team.
What’s Next for Hera Pheri 3
At this point, the next step for the film appears to hinge on behind-the-scenes negotiations between Akshay Kumar and the production house. Once those matters are settled, Rawal suggests the script and formal agreements can move forward, leading the way to principal photography and an eventual release plan. Despite the delays, the cast and fans alike continue to believe that the magic of Hera Pheri can flourish once more with a third instalment.
FAQs
Why is Hera Pheri 3 delayed?
Hera Pheri 3 is delayed due to unresolved issues between Akshay Kumar and the film’s producers, which Rawal calls a “technical issue.”
Is Hera Pheri 3 still happening?
Yes. Paresh Rawal confirms that the movie will definitely be made once the issues between Akshay Kumar and the producers are solved.
Did Paresh Rawal quit Hera Pheri 3?
Earlier, Rawal briefly exited the film amid contract disputes and returned his signing amount, but he says he is ready to rejoin once the core issue is resolved.
Will Hera Pheri 3 include Baburao?
Paresh Rawal says Hera Pheri 3 without his character Baburao would be a disaster, emphasising how important the role is to the franchise.
Is there a lawsuit involved in Hera Pheri 3?
There have been reports of legal notices and contract disputes involving Paresh Rawal and the production company, but Rawal describes some claims as exaggerated and expects resolution.
