Akshay Kumar Slaps Rs 25 Crore Lawsuit On Paresh Rawal For ‘Sabotaging’ Hera Pheri 3

In a stunning turn of events, actor Akshay Kumar has initiated legal action against his longtime collaborator and Hera Pheri co-star Paresh Rawal. Through his banner, Cape of Good Films, Akshay has issued a legal notice demanding ₹25 crore in damages, accusing Rawal of gross unprofessionalism after abruptly exiting Hera Pheri 3—despite having signed a legal contract and begun filming.

Paresh Rawal exits Hera Pheri 3

Just last week, Paresh Rawal confirmed via media that he was stepping away from the much-anticipated third instalment of the cult comedy franchise. Although he refrained from disclosing a specific reason, sources close to the project now reveal that he simply “did not feel like” being part of the film at this time—news that has deeply disappointed millions of Hera Pheri fans.

Akshay, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal had commenced shooting for Hera Pheri 3 under veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan back in April this year. Akshay Kumar is not only reprising his iconic role but is also producing the film, having officially acquired the rights from original producer Feroz Nadiadwala.

Akshay Kumar to send legal notice to Paresh Rawal

After speculation swirled regarding Rawal’s sudden departure, the actor clarified that it wasn’t due to financial or creative disagreements. According to sources, he was being paid more than three times his usual fee for the film.

“Paresh displayed a blatant disregard for professional integrity or commercial morality. If he wanted to not do the film, he should have said so before signing the legal contract, accepting the signing amount and making the producer spend so much money on the shoot,” said a source familiar with the legal proceedings in the matter.

“It is high time Bollywood actors realise that like Hollywood, producers here too will no longer give in to the whims of an actor walking in and out of a film as he pleases,” added the source.

This legal move marks a rare moment in Akshay Kumar’s nearly 35-year-long career—it's the first time the actor has chosen to sue a fellow industry colleague over professional misconduct.

Paresh Rawal has a history of walking away from projects post-commitment. In 2023, he opted out of Oh My God 2, citing issues with the script. Back in 2009, he reportedly exited Billu Barber—another film directed by Priyadarshan—despite initially committing to it.

To the vast fanbase of the Hera Pheri franchise, which enjoys near-legendary status online thanks to its meme-worthy dialogues and cult following, Rawal’s sudden withdrawal feels like a betrayal.

“Paresh himself announced doing the film on his X handle in January, he participated in all pre production planning, shot for a day (including the teaser promo) willingly. When he never expressed dissatisfaction at any point, for him to now suddenly play with the emotions of the fans of this franchise and inflict losses on the producer is clearly in bad faith,” the source further stated.

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