Akshay Kumar to File ₹25 Crore Legal Suit Against Senior Actor
The highly anticipated Bollywood comedy film Hera Pheri 3 has once again landed in controversy. Last week, senior actor Paresh Rawal, known for his unforgettable portrayal of the character Baburao in the series, surprised everyone by announcing that he would no longer be part of the project. Now, the matter has reportedly taken a legal turn. According to a report by Hindustan Times, Akshay Kumar’s production house, Cape of Good Films, has sent a legal notice to Paresh Rawal demanding ₹25 crore in damages.
The production company alleged that Paresh Rawal withdrew from the project in an unprofessional manner after signing the contract and even commencing the shoot. The report also stated that Rawal was being paid three times his usual fee for this film. “Paresh Rawal disregarded professional ethics and business conduct. If he had no intention of completing the film, he should have disclosed this before signing the agreement, before accepting the advance, and before prompting the producer to make significant financial investments,” sources from the production house were quoted as saying. The report further added, “Just like in Hollywood, Bollywood actors must also understand that producers will not tolerate violations of contracts and arbitrary withdrawals from projects.”
Hera Pheri commands a large fan base, particularly on social media, where fans eagerly follow every update related to the franchise. Paresh Rawal’s withdrawal has left many fans deeply disappointed. “In January, Paresh himself announced his involvement in the project on the platform X. He actively participated in pre-production activities and even joined a day of shooting for the teaser promo. Until now, he did not express any concerns. His sudden exit has upset fans and caused financial losses to the producer. It is evidently a deliberate act,” the report detailed.
Rumors had circulated that creative differences or financial issues were behind Paresh Rawal’s decision to walk away. However, the actor refuted these claims via his X account. “I want to clarify that creative differences are not the reason behind my decision to withdraw from Hera Pheri 3. I have immense love, respect, and trust for director Priyadarshan. There are no creative differences between us,” he stated.
The Hera Pheri series remains one of Bollywood’s most beloved comedy franchises. The first two films not only achieved major box office success but also gained cult status. With Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal reprising their iconic roles, expectations for the third installment were particularly high. Filming for the movie began in April under the direction of Priyadarshan. Akshay Kumar, having purchased the rights from Firoz Nadiadwala, is also serving as the film’s producer.
With filming already underway, it remains to be seen whether another actor will replace Paresh Rawal or if he will return to the role. Regardless, fans’ emotional connection to the comedic trio of Baburao, Raju, and Shyam remains strong. The controversy continues to unfold both on and off screen.