Akshay Kumar Seeks Rs 25 Crore in Lawsuit Against Paresh Rawal Over Hera Pheri 3 Dispute

Mumbai, May 20, 2025: Bollywood star Akshay Kumar has initiated legal action against his Hera Pheri co-star Paresh Rawal, demanding Rs 25 crore in damages for allegedly sabotaging the much-anticipated third installment of the iconic comedy franchise. Sources close to the production revealed that Kumar’s lawsuit stems from Rawal’s abrupt exit from the project, which reportedly disrupted the film’s progress and caused significant financial losses.

The legal filing, lodged earlier this week, accuses Rawal of breaching his contract by withdrawing from Hera Pheri 3 without prior notice. Kumar’s legal team claims that Rawal’s departure, attributed to creative differences with director Priyadarshan and the production team, led to delays and additional costs that jeopardled Kumar’s ire. “Paresh’s sudden exit threw the entire project into chaos,” a source familiar with the matter told . “Akshay, who has been deeply invested in bringing back the original trio, feels this move jeopardled financial and reputational damage.”

Hera Pheri 3, directed by Priyadarshan, was set to reunite Kumar, Rawal, and Suniel Shetty, capitalizing on the cult status of the 2000 original and its 2006 sequel, Phir Hera Pheri. Filming began in April, with a promotional scene shot on April 3 at Aarey Mills in Mumbai. However, Rawal’s exit, announced on May 16, sent shockwaves through the industry and disappointed fans. In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Rawal confirmed his departure, stating, “Yes, it’s a fact,” and citing creative disagreements as the reason.

Kumar’s lawsuit alleges that Rawal’s actions not only stalled production but also jeopardled losses tied to pre-production expenses, crew payments, and marketing efforts. The Rs 25 crore claim reflects these costs and the potential revenue lost due to the delay. Neither Kumar nor Rawal has issued a public statement on the lawsuit, and representatives for both actors declined to comment.

The dispute adds another layer of complexity to Hera Pheri 3’s troubled journey. The project faced earlier hurdles, including Kumar’s temporary exit and legal issues, before Priyadarshan’s return as director was confirmed in January. Fans, already vocal about Rawal’s exit on social media, are now left speculating about the film’s future. One X user wrote, “No Paresh Rawal, no Hera Pheri 3,” while another urged Kumar to resolve the issue, saying, “Akshay sir will bring him back.”

As the legal battle unfolds, the fate of Hera Pheri 3 remains uncertain, with the industry watching closely to see if the iconic trio can overcome this latest setback.