Mumbai, India | January 29, 2026
Fans have been eagerly waiting for ‘Hera Pheri 3’, one of Bollywood’s most beloved comedy franchises. Ever since the film was officially announced, audiences have closely followed every update. However, despite repeated assurances, the film’s shooting has yet to begin, raising concerns among fans.
Now, veteran actor Paresh Rawal has shared a major update on why the project continues to face delays.
Paresh Rawal Clarifies Reason Behind the Delay
In a conversation on ‘The Lavari Show’, Paresh Rawal revealed that Hera Pheri 3 is technically on track, but only under certain conditions. He made it clear that he is not responsible for the delay, stating that the holdup is due to unresolved issues between Akshay Kumar and the film’s producers.
Rawal emphasized that once these matters are settled, the film will move forward smoothly and shooting will begin soon.
₹25 Crore Legal Dispute Explained
Reacting to reports that Akshay Kumar filed a ₹25 crore legal notice against him after he briefly exited the project, Paresh Rawal addressed the issue candidly. He downplayed the situation, calling it a technical problem rather than a personal dispute.
Highlighting the financial aspect of the controversy, Rawal suggested that the issue stemmed from contractual and production-related matters involving Akshay Kumar and the producers. He added that once the situation is resolved, he is fully ready to sign the contract and resume work on the film.
“Hera Pheri 3 Without Babu Rao Is Impossible”
Speaking about his iconic character Babu Rao Ganpatrao Apte, Paresh Rawal firmly stated that Hera Pheri 3 cannot exist without him.
He said that making the film without Babu Rao would be nothing short of a disaster. While maintaining a respectful tone, Rawal stressed that the character is central to the franchise’s identity and audience connection.
“If the issues are resolved, I will sign the papers. That is 100 percent certain,” the actor said.
Timeline of the Controversy
The controversy began in May 2025, when Paresh Rawal exited Hera Pheri 3, citing creative differences with director Priyadarshan. At the time, he claimed the role no longer felt creatively fulfilling.
Reports soon emerged that Akshay Kumar was considering legal action due to the actor’s sudden exit. In June 2025, Rawal rejoined the project, stating that matters had been resolved and urging the makers to respect the franchise’s legacy.
However, the situation escalated again in September 2025, when production came to a halt after Rawal temporarily stepped away once more. Director Priyadarshan later clarified that there was no personal conflict and attributed the disruption to external pressures.
Subsequently, reports suggested that filming would begin in February 2026, but no official confirmation has been announced yet.
Iconic Trio Set to Return
The Hera Pheri franchise, which began in 2000, featured Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Suniel Shetty in its first two films. The makers had earlier confirmed that Raju, Babu Bhaiya, and Shyam would all return in Hera Pheri 3, with Priyadarshan directing the film once again.
Despite these assurances, ongoing disputes have delayed production, extending the wait for fans eager to see the legendary trio reunite on screen.
