June 9, 2025: In a surprising turn of events that shook fans of Indian comedy cinema, veteran actor Paresh Rawal has officially stepped away from Hera Pheri 3—the long-awaited sequel to the iconic franchise that defined an era of laughter.
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While he announced his exit nearly a month ago, fans aren’t ready to let go. One recently tweeted, “Sir, please think once again to join Hera Pheri movie. You are the hero of this movie.” Rawal’s heartfelt reply, “NO … There are Three Heroes in Hera Pheri,” served as both a graceful acknowledgment of the original trio and a quiet yet firm reaffirmation of his decision.
💥 What Went Wrong?
Behind the scenes, the drama runs deeper than creative differences. Akshay Kumar’s production house, Cape of Good Films, has reportedly filed a ₹25 crore lawsuit against Paresh Rawal, alleging breach of contract.
According to reports:
- Rawal had accepted ₹11 lakh as a signing amount and even shot a teaser with Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty.
- The production company claims that his sudden withdrawal caused major financial and logistical losses, delaying an already tightly scheduled project.
⚖️ Rawal’s Response: Legal and Decisive
Not one to remain silent, Rawal responded legally through his lawyer Ameet Naik, asserting that his termination was rightful and justified. He even returned the ₹11 lakh advance, adding 15% interest and extra compensation, signaling a clear intention to part ways amicably but firmly.
According to insiders:
- Rawal’s total remuneration for Hera Pheri 3 was ₹15 crore.
- Only a promo shoot has been completed so far, with principal photography slated for 2026.
💔 Fans in Dilemma: Can Baburao Be Replaced?
The big question on everyone’s mind: Who will play Baburao now?
Paresh Rawal’s portrayal of the quirky, bumbling yet lovable character has become iconic in Indian pop culture, making the idea of recasting him a daunting—and perhaps doomed—task.
While Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty are on board, Rawal’s absence leaves a void that may prove difficult to fill.
🧠 Industry Insight: Is Hera Pheri 3 at Risk?
With legal disputes, casting uncertainty, and growing fan pressure, Hera Pheri 3 finds itself teetering between legacy and reinvention. While the franchise carries immense nostalgia, fans and insiders alike wonder: Can it recapture the original magic without all three heroes?