Akshay Kumar slaps Rs 25 crore lawsuit on Paresh Rawal over ‘Hera Pheri 3’ exit

New Delhi: Actor Akshay Kumar has reportedly taken legal action against his ‘Hera Pheri 3’ co-star Paresh Rawal, suing him for Rs 25 crore in damages following the latter’s abrupt exit from the film. According to a Hindustan Times report, the legal move comes just two days after Rawal confirmed his departure through a post on X.

Rawal Denies Money or Creative Differences Behind Exit

On 18 May, Paresh Rawal publicly stated that his decision to walk away from the project had nothing to do with financial issues or creative disagreements. Interestingly, sources claim that the veteran actor was paid three times more than his regular remuneration for the role.

Akshay steps in as producer

The film, directed by veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan, began filming in April this year with Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal on board. Akshay is not only starring in the film but is also producing it, having legally acquired the rights from producer Feroz Nadiadwala.

Rawal had previously announced his involvement with Hera Pheri 3 on his X handle back in January and had reportedly taken part in all the pre-production planning. He had also shot for a day, including scenes for a teaser promo. 

 Industry sources slam actor’s sudden exit

A source cited by Hindustan Times remarked: “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.”

Another individual familiar with the legal proceedings commented: “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.”

“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,” the source added.

Legacy of the franchise

‘Hera Pheri 3’ is the much-anticipated sequel to the cult comedy ‘Hera Pheri’ (2000), with its second instalment released in 2006. The third film has been generating significant buzz among fans of the iconic trio, making Rawal’s sudden exit all the more controversial.