May 23, 2025: In a dramatic turn of events, veteran actor Paresh Rawal’s sudden departure from the long-awaited comedy sequel Hera Pheri 3 has triggered a legal confrontation with Akshay Kumar’s production company, Cape of Good Films. The fallout has not only shocked the Bollywood industry but also left fans of the iconic franchise disheartened.
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Cape of Good Films, represented by Parinam Law Associates, has served a legal notice to Rawal, citing breach of contract and significant financial and reputational damages. The legal team, led by Joint Managing Partner Pooja Tidke, confirmed that Rawal had earlier expressed clear intent to be part of the project and even filmed portions of the trailer.
“There will be severe legal consequences. His exit has hurt the franchise. Contracts were in place, and investments were already made in production, logistics, and talent,” Tidke told.
Rawal, best known for his legendary portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the first two films, reportedly sent a formal notice to the producers last week, stating he no longer wished to be associated with the film. This move, Tidke said, came as a shock, especially after shooting had commenced and promotional material was underway.
Emotional Fallout
Director Priyadarshan, who returns to helm the third installment, revealed the emotional impact the exit had on Akshay Kumar. In a recent interview, Priyadarshan said Akshay was visibly upset, asking him, “Priyan, why is Paresh doing this to us?”—highlighting the deep camaraderie among the original cast members.
Reputational and Financial Damage
According to Cape of Good Films, the damages go beyond finances. “There’s reputational harm to committed actors and a blow to the brand of the franchise. The audience is equally affected, given their two-decade-long anticipation,” Tidke added.
The production has given Rawal seven days to respond to the notice. While no official counter-statement has been issued by the actor, sources close to him suggest his decision stemmed from creative differences, particularly concerns about the evolution of his character, which he believed had lost its charm in the sequel Phir Hera Pheri.
Potential Replacement?
Speculation is rife about who might fill the void left by Rawal. Pankaj Tripathi, who replaced Rawal in OMG 2, has been suggested by fans. However, Tripathi has downplayed the rumors, stating, “I’m nothing,” and clarified that no discussions have taken place regarding his involvement.
The Road Ahead
As the legal process unfolds, the future of Hera Pheri 3 remains uncertain. Industry insiders say the project may be delayed further as the team evaluates casting and contractual options. However, both Priyadarshan and Akshay remain hopeful of steering the franchise back on track.
For now, fans can only wait and hope for an amicable resolution—and for Baburao’s legendary “yeh Babu Rao ka style hai” to return to the big screen.