Akshay Kumar Sues Paresh Rawal for ₹25 Crore Over ‘Hera Pheri 3’ Exit

Mumbai, India – In a dramatic development that has surprised fans and the film industry alike, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has filed a ₹25 crore (approximately $3 million) lawsuit against veteran actor Paresh Rawal. The lawsuit stems from Rawal’s abrupt exit from the highly anticipated film Hera Pheri 3, a sequel to the beloved Indian comedy franchise.

The legal action was initiated by Kumar’s production company, Cape of Good Films, which claims it suffered substantial financial losses and scheduling setbacks due to Rawal’s sudden departure from the film.

The Dispute

The Hera Pheri franchise is one of the most iconic comedy series in Indian cinema, with its leading trio—Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal—earning cult status for their comedic timing and chemistry. Fans eagerly awaited the third installment, which was set to reunite the original cast. However, tensions arose when Paresh Rawal unexpectedly withdrew from the project just as filming preparations were underway.

According to reports, Kumar’s production house had already invested heavily in logistics, cast scheduling, and pre-production expenses. Rawal’s withdrawal disrupted the shooting timeline and led to contract breaches, prompting the production house to seek ₹25 crore in damages.

Paresh Rawal’s Response

In a recent statement, Paresh Rawal acknowledged the legal issue but emphasized his intention to resolve it peacefully. He has reportedly returned the signing amount of ₹11 lakh (around $13,000), along with interest, in good faith.

His legal team stated that Rawal’s decision to step back from the film was based on professional grounds and miscommunication. They assert that the actor acted responsibly by promptly returning the payment and expressing willingness to discuss an amicable resolution.

“Mr. Rawal has immense respect for his co-stars and the franchise. He regrets any inconvenience caused but maintains that his decision was based on genuine concerns,” a source close to the actor stated.

Industry and Public Reaction

The lawsuit has stirred widespread discussion in the Indian film industry. While some have voiced support for Akshay Kumar’s move to protect his production interests, others feel the issue may have been better resolved internally rather than through a public legal battle.

Film analysts note that legal disputes of this magnitude are rare in Bollywood, especially between long-time collaborators like Kumar and Rawal, who have starred in numerous successful films together over the years.

Social media has been abuzz with mixed reactions. While some fans are disappointed that the iconic duo may not share the screen again, others remain hopeful that the two actors will reconcile for the sake of the franchise and their long-standing friendship.

What Happens Next?

As of now, the legal case is under review. Both parties have expressed a desire to avoid further escalation and find a mutually acceptable solution. However, if unresolved, the dispute may delay or alter the production plans for Hera Pheri 3, which has already faced multiple changes in casting and direction over the past few years.

Kumar and Rawal have yet to make direct public comments, but insiders suggest that both remain open to discussion.

For now, the fate of Hera Pheri 3 — and the legacy of one of Bollywood’s most beloved comedy trios — hangs in the balance.