Priyadarshan’s much-awaited comedy sequel Hera Pheri 3 has hit another roadblock, with writer Rohan Shankar confirming his exit from the project amid ongoing legal complications.
The film, which was expected to reunite the iconic trio of Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal, has been facing uncertainty since its announcement, leaving fans concerned about its future.
Rohan Shankar Confirms Exit From The Project
In a recent interaction, Rohan Shankar revealed that although he was initially in discussions for the film and had even written its teaser, he is no longer associated with it due to unresolved legal issues.
“I was in talks, and it was supposed to happen, but it didn’t because of legal issues. Hopefully, if Hera Pheri 3 happens and if Priyadarshan sir is there, maybe I will be too,” he said.
His exit adds to the growing list of challenges the film is currently facing.
Priyadarshan’s Packed Schedule Adds To Uncertainty
Speaking about director Priyadarshan, Shankar noted that the veteran filmmaker is currently juggling multiple projects and is unlikely to pause his work amid the ongoing complications.
He revealed that Priyadarshan has recently wrapped projects like Bhoot Bangla and Haiwan, and is already preparing for upcoming films, including a landmark 100th project with Mohanlal.
“He doesn’t stop. Priyan sir works a lot. Priyan sir and Akshay sir are workaholics,” Shankar said, hinting that the director may complete several films before Hera Pheri 3 even begins.
Legal Disputes Stall Progress
Priyadarshan himself has acknowledged that the situation surrounding the film is complicated. According to him, multiple parties have laid claim to different rights associated with the franchise.
Producer Bhushan Kumar has reportedly claimed ownership of the film’s music rights, while other stakeholders have also asserted their claims.
Adding to the complexity, reports suggest that production house Seven Arts International has raised concerns over producer Firoz Nadiadwala’s rights, alleging that they were limited to adapting the original Malayalam film Ramji Rao Speaking into Hindi.
The company has reportedly claimed that subsequent projects and transfer of franchise rights may have breached earlier agreements.
No Release Anytime Soon
With legal issues yet to be resolved, Priyadarshan has made it clear that the film will not go into production this year.
“Definitely not this year,” he said when asked about the timeline.
Paresh Rawal Controversy Also Addressed
The project had also been surrounded by speculation after Paresh Rawal briefly distanced himself from the film, sparking rumours of a legal dispute with Akshay Kumar involving a reported ₹25 crore claim.
However, the matter has since been resolved, with Akshay Kumar withdrawing the case. Priyadarshan dismissed any talk of lingering tensions, stating that disagreements are common in the industry.
“I don’t think there are permanent enemies in politics or cinema,” he said.
A Franchise Loved By Fans
The Hera Pheri franchise began with Hera Pheri in 2000, followed by Phir Hera Pheri in 2006. Both films went on to become cult classics, largely due to their humour and the chemistry between the lead actors.
While Hera Pheri 3 remains one of the most anticipated Bollywood sequels, its future now depends on how quickly the legal disputes are resolved.