In a dramatic twist that has left fans of the Hera Pheri franchise shocked, Akshay Kumar has initiated legal proceedings against co-star Paresh Rawal, seeking ₹25 crore in damages. The actor, through his production house Cape of Good Films, has accused Rawal of unprofessional conduct after the veteran actor abruptly exited Hera Pheri 3 despite signing a legal agreement and filming initial scenes.

Akshay Kumar Takes Legal Action Over Contract Violation

According to sources close to the production, Akshay Kumar has accused Paresh Rawal of breaching contractual obligations by walking out of the film after receiving the signing amount and participating in the shoot. The third installment of the beloved comedy franchise had commenced filming in April under the direction of Priyadarshan, with Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal reprising their iconic roles.

“Paresh displayed a blatant disregard for professional integrity or commercial morality,” a production insider told Hindustan Times.

It is also reported that Akshay Kumar now owns the rights to the film, having acquired them from producer Sajid Nadiadwala. The stakes are high, not just financially but emotionally, as Hera Pheri remains one of India’s most loved comedy series.

Paresh Rawal Confirms Exit, Denies Creative Differences

While initial rumors suggested creative disagreements with the makers, Paresh Rawal clarified on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that his decision to exit had nothing to do with conflicts.

“I REITERATE THAT THERE ARE NO CREATIVE DISAGREEMENTS WITH THE FILMMAKER. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan,” he posted.

He cited personal reasons and a lack of interest as the primary cause for stepping down, simply stating that he “didn’t feel like doing the film.” However, fans were left heartbroken, and insiders viewed the move as a breach of trust given his earlier commitment.

Paresh Rawal’s Alleged Pattern of Backing Out

This isn’t the first time Paresh Rawal has reportedly backed out of a project post-commitment. In 2023, he opted out of Oh My God 2, a sequel to the highly successful OMG – Oh My God!, citing dissatisfaction with the script. Back in 2009, he also exited Shah Rukh Khan’s Billu, which later featured Irrfan in the role originally assigned to him.

Critics now argue that such repeated behavior reflects a lack of professional consistency, especially given that he was reportedly being paid three times his standard remuneration for Hera Pheri 3.

Industry Reaction: Changing Rules in Bollywood

The incident has sparked wider discussions in the film industry about accountability and professionalism. A source associated with the production emphasized that Bollywood is evolving and that producers will no longer tolerate stars backing out at whim—a shift that mirrors industry norms in Hollywood, where contract breaches often lead to heavy legal and financial consequences.

“If he didn’t want to do the film, he should’ve declined before accepting the signing amount and allowing the production to invest significantly,” the source added.

According to insiders, Paresh Rawal actively participated in pre-production, shot for a day including a teaser promo, and never raised any objections. His sudden departure is now seen as not only a legal breach but also an emotional blow to fans and the creative team.

Impact on Hera Pheri 3 and Its Fans

The Hera Pheri franchise, known for its iconic trio—Raju (Akshay Kumar), Shyam (Suniel Shetty), and Baburao (Paresh Rawal)—has a massive cult following. Fans were eagerly waiting for the third part, especially after all three actors were confirmed to return. Paresh’s abrupt exit has triggered disappointment and speculation about who will replace him or if the project will move forward at all.

Despite the legal and emotional setbacks, Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty are reportedly committed to continuing the film, though there’s no official word on how the team plans to address the casting shake-up.

Legal Consequences and What Lies Ahead

Akshay’s decision to serve a ₹25 crore legal notice underlines a changing dynamic in the Indian film industry, where actors are increasingly being held accountable for their contractual and ethical commitments. It also sends a strong message that even celebrated veterans will face consequences for actions deemed unprofessional or damaging to high-stakes projects.

As the legal battle unfolds, all eyes are now on Cape of Good Films and the Hera Pheri 3 team to see how they navigate this setback and whether Paresh Rawal will respond formally or attempt a resolution outside court.