'Hera Pheri 3' row: 6 memorable scenes from the first two films

The long-awaited third installment of the 'Hera Pheri' franchise has found itself mired in controversy, with tensions escalating between the makers and core members of the original cast. 

At the heart of the dispute is veteran actor Paresh Rawal, who exited the project midway—leaving fans dismayed and prompting the producers to serve him a legal notice, reportedly amounting to ₹25 crores in damages. 

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While the exact reasons behind Rawal’s shock departure remain speculative, reports suggest that Rawal had concerns over the absence of a finalised script and no formal briefing on his character arc—even after participating in a promotional shoot that celebrated the return of the iconic trio: Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Rawal himself. 

Despite public signals that the production was on track, insiders alleged the film was far from ready, contributing to Rawal’s discomfort and eventual decision to withdraw.

Rawal’s exit has visibly halted the project. Suniel Shetty publicly expressed his surprise, while director Priyadarshan hinted that the original chemistry shared by the trio might be impossible to replicate. 

As the future of 'Hera Pheri 3' now hangs in the balance, it is nostalgic to go back to the cult comedy classics in the franchise: 'Hera Pheri' (2000) and its sequel 'Phir Hera Pheri' (2006). 

Both iconic Bollywood comedies are memorable for their hilarious dialogues, absurd situations, and timeless performances by the three lead protagonists Akshay Kumar (Raju), Paresh Rawal (Baburao Ganpatrao Apte), and Sunil Shetty (Shyam). 

While the first film followed the chaotic misadventures of three struggling men in a modest housing colony in Mumbai, its sequel was about the beloved trio living large after acquiring wealth at the end of the first film. Now ensconced in luxury, they quickly fall prey to greed and a get-rich-quicker scam. 

Here are some of the most memorable moments from both films which cemented their cult status:

 

1) “Utha le re deva!” - Baburao’s breakdown

When Raju and Shyam are fighting and creating chaos in the house, Baburao, exasperated, begs God to "utha le" (take him away)—a line that's become a meme classic.

 

2) Baburao’s drunken antics

Paresh Rawal’s performance as the half-blind, perpetually drunk landlord is comedy gold—especially when he tries to sound tough with “main udhar se dekh raha tha” (I was watching from there).

 

3) Totla Seth’s dialogue

Johnny Lever's role as a speech-impaired gangster, in the second film, with lines like "Katkat Singh" and "Toto ... bola na Toto!" add a whole new level of ridiculousness.

 

4) The circus finale

The climax at the circus, in the second film, with monkeys, guns, cash bags, and everyone running in circles, is a chaotic spectacle and the epitome of slapstick mayhem.

 

5) Baburao with English

Baburao’s attempt at speaking English—“Hello … how are … khopdi tod saala!”—is a fan-favorite that showcases his linguistic limitations in the most hilarious way.

 

6) When Raju sells the house

At one point, Raju sells Baburao’s house and furniture without informing him. Baburao’s slow realization and reaction are pure comic brilliance.

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Both films rely heavily on situational comedy, perfect timing, and the chemistry between the three leads. Paresh Rawal’s Baburao remains the heart of both movies, with his idiosyncratic speech, innocence, and bad luck driving much of the humour. 

However, with Rawal now opting out of the third part, how audiences receive the film—or whether they do so at all—remains to be seen. Baburao Ganpatrao Apte has been an integral part of the plot: one of the three musketeers that they become, responsible for steering the film, giving it a certain charm, and its defining identity in popular Bollywood cinema.

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