Bollywood friendship turns courtroom war as Akshay Kumar sues longtime co-star — What really happened behind the scenes?

Mumbai, India — In a stunning turn of events that has stunned fans and insiders alike, veteran actor Paresh Rawal was reportedly arrested and forcibly taken by Mumbai Police following a massive ₹25 crore defamation lawsuit filed by Akshay Kumar.

Once known for their comic chemistry and blockbuster collaborations, the two actors are now at the center of a fiery legal battle that has the entire film industry shaken.

The Arrest That Sent Shockwaves Through Bollywood

Early this morning, videos surfaced online allegedly showing Paresh Rawal being escorted by multiple police officers, looking visibly distressed and avoiding cameras. Witnesses claim he was taken from his Mumbai residence without warning.

“We thought it was a prank or a shoot — until we saw the actual police van,” said one neighbor.

While the police have not released a full statement, sources suggest the arrest was in connection to a legal complaint initiated by Akshay Kumar just days earlier.

What Sparked the Feud? The ₹25 Crore Lawsuit Explained

According to leaked legal documents, Akshay Kumar is suing Paresh Rawal for defamation, breach of contract, and professional misconduct, with damages amounting to ₹25 crore (approximately $3 million USD).

Though specifics remain confidential, insiders reveal that the case involves allegations of false statements, leaked private information, and “a betrayal of trust” during a high-profile film project the two were involved in.

“Akshay felt deeply disrespected by what was said and how it was said — not just as a colleague, but as a friend,” a source close to the actor stated.

Once Brothers on Screen — Now Enemies in Real Life?

The two actors have shared the screen in fan-favorite films like Hera Pheri, OMG – Oh My God!, and Phir Hera Pheri, often playing off each other in hilarious roles that defined an entire generation of comedy.

Their off-screen camaraderie was once legendary — but apparently, cracks had been forming behind the scenes for some time.

“They hadn’t spoken in months,” revealed one insider.
“This lawsuit was the last straw.”

Bollywood Reacts: “Is This the End of an Era?”

Fans, celebrities, and fellow actors were left stunned and confused by the fallout.

Suniel Shetty, who worked with both in Hera Pheri, posted:

“I don’t know what happened. But this hurts. We grew up with their chemistry.”

On social media, hashtags like #PareshRawalArrested, #AkshayKumarLawsuit, and #BollywoodBreakdown began trending within hours.

Fans Divided: Support, Shock, and Speculation

The internet is ablaze with speculation and emotional reactions:

“Akshay suing Paresh? Never thought I’d see this day.”
“This feels like a scene from a movie… only it’s real.”
“Justice or ego? We need the truth!”

Some are defending Akshay for standing his ground, while others are calling it an overreaction and urging both sides to settle matters privately.

What’s Next? Court Battle or Reconciliation?

As of now, Paresh Rawal remains in custody while his legal team prepares for what could be one of the most explosive celebrity court cases in recent memory.

Akshay Kumar has yet to make a public statement, but sources say he is prepared to go all the way in court.

A bail hearing is expected within the next 48 hours.

Final Word: A Bollywood Bromance in Flames

Once Bollywood’s most beloved comic duo, Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal now find themselves on opposite ends of a courtroom drama. Whether this ends in reconciliation or permanent rift, one thing is certain:

The golden age of their partnership may have just ended — with handcuffs and heartbreak.

Akshay Kumar’s production company, Cape of Good Films, has filed a legal suit against actor Paresh Rawal, seeking Rs 25 crore in damages following Rawal’s sudden exit from the film Hera Pheri 3 as per reports. The film, directed by Priyadarshan and featuring the original trio of Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal, began shooting in April 2025. Rawal withdrew from the project midway through production, despite having signed the contract and receiving full payment, including an amount reportedly more than three times his usual fee.

The production house stated that Rawal’s departure caused significant financial losses and disrupted the shooting schedule. An industry source said, “It is extremely unprofessional for an actor to walk out of a project halfway—especially after accepting payment and knowing the production is already underway.” The source further added that all rights and financial clearances had been completed only after the principal cast gave their consent, underscoring the disruption caused by Rawal’s exit.

Rawal publicly clarified on X (formerly Twitter) that his decision to leave was not due to creative differences, stating, “I REITERATE THAT THERE ARE NO CREATIVE DISAGREEMENT WITH THE FILM MAKER. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan the film director.” This clarification came after reports suggested his exit was linked to creative or monetary disputes. Despite the clarification, the production maintains the position that Rawal’s withdrawal was unprofessional and caused reputational harm.

I wish to put it on record that my decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 was not due to creative differences. I REITERATE THAT THERE ARE NO CREATIVE DISAGREEMENT WITH THE FILM MAKER . I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan the film director.

— Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) May 18, 2025

The legal notice from Cape of Good Films cites breach of contract and unprofessional conduct as grounds for the Rs 25 crore damages claim. The notice emphasizes that Rawal accepted a legal contract and an advance payment before withdrawing from the project. The production house has indicated that the lawsuit aims to reinforce accountability in Bollywood productions and prevent similar situations in the future.

Hera Pheri is a well-established comedy franchise with a large fan base, known for its iconic cast and humor. The sudden controversy surrounding the third installment has created uncertainty about the film’s continuation. As of now, no official announcement has been made regarding Rawal’s replacement or the resumption of filming. The legal proceedings and their impact on the project remain pending.