Paresh Rawal Opens Up on Rs 25 Crore Hera Pheri 3 Legal Notice

• Paresh Rawal said Akshay Kumar’s Rs 25 crore legal notice over Hera Pheri 3 was an “emotional reaction.”
• The actor said his temporary exit from the film was due to contractual obligations, not personal differences with Akshay Kumar.
• Rawal maintained that producer Firoz A. Nadiadwala’s approval was necessary before he could commit to the project.
• He confirmed he remains committed to returning whenever Hera Pheri 3 moves forward.
• The film continues to face delays amid legal disputes over franchise rights, while director Priyadarshan has exited the project.

Paresh Rawal has addressed the controversy surrounding Hera Pheri 3, saying Akshay Kumar’s Rs 25 crore legal notice was an emotional response rather than the result of a personal rift. Speaking in an interview with Vickey Lalwani, the veteran actor said his decision to step away from the film stemmed from contractual issues involving franchise rights, not any unwillingness to work with his longtime co-star.

Contractual dispute, not a personal fallout

Rawal dismissed speculation that he had refused to work with Akshay Kumar, explaining that he could not formally join the project without the approval of producer Firoz A. Nadiadwala, whom he described as the sole owner of the Hera Pheri franchise and several other film properties.

He said the absence of that approval prevented him from committing to the film and left him reluctant to become involved in a legal dispute after receiving the notice seeking Rs 25 crore in damages for alleged breach of contract and sabotage of the project.

Reflecting on the episode, Rawal said he believed the legal action was driven by emotion rather than legal merit, adding that Akshay Kumar “must have been emotionally disturbed” after his decision to leave the project.

Dispute resolved without a formal conversation

Rawal said the disagreement never damaged his relationship with Akshay Kumar and insisted there had never been any reason for the two actors to fall out.

When asked whether the matter was later discussed or whether Akshay apologised, Rawal said no formal conversation took place. Instead, he said they resumed working together, describing it as “the gentlemanly way of resolving things.”

Actor remains committed to the franchise

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the film, Rawal said he remains fully committed to reprising his role whenever production begins.

He stated that he would return to Hera Pheri 3 regardless of who ultimately produces or directs the film, saying he is “married to that film.”

Hera Pheri 3 faces continuing hurdles

The project continues to encounter significant obstacles beyond the dispute involving Rawal’s temporary exit. Legal disagreements over the ownership of the franchise rights have delayed progress, although the specific claims remain unresolved publicly.

Director Priyadarshan has also confirmed that he is no longer associated with Hera Pheri 3. He said the film is unlikely to reach theatres in its current form because of ongoing legal issues and personal conflicts surrounding the project.

The legal notice issued by Akshay Kumar’s production banner was eventually resolved after Rawal agreed to return to the film. However, with franchise-rights disputes still pending and the director’s departure, the future timeline for Hera Pheri 3 remains uncertain.