Akshay Kumar’s Production House Accuses Paresh Rawal Of Breach After Rs 11 Lakh Fee, Demands Rs 25 Cr In Damages
Akshay Kumar's production house has alleged that Paresh Rawal abruptly exited ‘Hera Pheri 3’ after receiving Rs 11 lakh as part of his agreed remuneration.
‘Hera Pheri 3’ has been plagued with problems even before shooting could properly commence. Initially, there were doubts over whether the iconic trio – Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal – would return. However, over the past few months, it appeared certain that all three had signed on, and even some filming had reportedly begun under director Priyadarshan. Recently, though, fans were stunned by the announcement that Paresh Rawal has opted out of the project.
Following this, Akshay Kumar’s production company, Cape of Good Films, has reportedly filed a Rs 25 crore lawsuit against Paresh Rawal for quitting the project midway.
According to a report by News18, the legal notice issued on behalf of Cape of Good Films claimed that Paresh Rawal had publicly confirmed his involvement in ‘Hera Pheri 3’ through a Twitter post on January 30, 2025. He had also formalized the agreement by signing a term sheet on March 27, 2025, and received a partial payment of Rs 11 lakh.
The notice elaborated that Paresh Rawal’s endorsement and contractual agreement led the company to proceed with substantial investments, including production and promotional costs. The teaser, which was filmed on April 3, featured over three minutes of footage with Paresh Rawal. During this time, he participated in creative discussions alongside Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty. At no point, the company claims, did he express any creative concerns.
The production house accused Paresh Rawal of abruptly backing out later, citing vague creative differences. The company described this as a pretext designed to disrupt a beloved franchise. They say his sudden departure caused severe financial losses, derailed schedules, and jeopardized the momentum of the project. They are demanding Rs 25 crore in damages and warned that if this demand isn’t met within seven days, they will pursue legal action – civil and criminal.
The development has left many people in shock. Actor Suniel Shetty, who plays Shyam in the franchise, also voiced his dismay. He told ANI that he was heartbroken and couldn't imagine the film happening without Babu Bhaiya, Paresh Rawal’s character.
“I mean, it's an absolute shock to me, and I'm here because I heard it yesterday, and then today, some more news came about. So, I need to call and find out, and I'm completely heartbroken because if there was one film that I was looking forward to, it was Hera Pheri, you know,” Suniel told ANI.
He emphasized the irreplaceable nature of Paresh Rawal’s character, “It cannot happen. 100 per cent cannot happen without Paresh Rawal. It can have a 1 per cent chance without me and Akshay, but 100 per cent can't happen without Paresh ji. No, it doesn't. Raju and Shyam, if they're not hammered by Babu here, it doesn't work.”
The actor also expressed hope for reconciliation as he told PTI, “I believe it all will fall into place... At the same time, I am clueless because I heard (about) it through the media. I hope things can be mended. And even if the film doesn't happen, I wouldn't want any animosity between Paresh and Akshay.”
‘Hera Pheri’, directed by Priyadarshan, originally released in 2000 and became a cult classic. Its 2006 sequel ‘Phir Hera Pheri’, directed by Neeraj Vora, was also a hit.
In a recent Mid-day interview, Paresh Rawal denied that his exit was due to creative issues with Priyadarshan. He stated, “I love Priyadarshan and have great respect and faith in him as a director. We have done wonderful movies together in the past and will continue to do so. There were no creative differences, nor is there a possibility of having any with him. No amount of money compares to the love and respect of my audience. Right now, I just felt it is a role that I don't want to do, that's all.”
Earlier, in a chat with The Lallantop, Paresh had criticized the lack of creative innovation, “Everybody wants to cash in on sequels but do something different with the character that has Rs 500 crore worth of goodwill. Why not fly with it? But there’s mental bankruptcy or mental lethargy... I’m doing the sequel because I don’t want the film to get stuck, but there is no happiness.”
When asked whether Akshay Kumar was a friend, he described him only as a “colleague.”
