Director Priyadarshan has reacted to reports of a legal dispute between actor-producer Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal over the latter’s abrupt exit from the much-anticipated film Hera Pheri 3.

Speaking to HT City, Priyadarshan said he remains unaware of why Rawal chose to leave the project, as the actor had not communicated with him directly.

“I don’t know why this happened because Paresh didn’t inform us. Before starting the film, Akshay asked me to check with both Paresh and Suniel and I did, and both were onboard,” said the director.

Priyadarshan further explained, “I don’t have anything to lose, but Akshay has invested money and that could be the reason why he is taking this action. Paresh Rawal hasn’t spoken to me till date.”

This development follows a Hindustan Times report stating that Akshay Kumar, who is also producing the film, has filed a Rs 25 crore lawsuit against Paresh Rawal for allegedly sabotaging the project by walking out. Rawal had earlier denied that creative differences led to his departure, but he has not publicly elaborated on the reasons.

So far, Akshay Kumar has not made any official statement about the legal action or the actor’s exit.

Interestingly, despite this fallout, the trio—Akshay, Priyadarshan, and Paresh—have recently completed shooting another film titled Bhooth Bangla, slated for release next year. Akshay had expressed his enthusiasm for the project in an Instagram post, calling it his "seventh madcap adventure" with director Priyadarshan.

Meanwhile, there were earlier reports that the Hera Pheri 3 team, including Akshay, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal, had already shot an announcement teaser that was to be released during the IPL. However, no updates have surfaced regarding its release.

The ongoing tension has cast uncertainty over Hera Pheri 3, a film that has long been awaited by fans of the iconic franchise.