The most awaited comedy film, Hera Pheri whose third instalment was underway after nearly two decades of wait, has found itself in hot water before even the first filming schedule of the film could get completed. It started with the exit of Paresh Rawal, who plays the irreplaceable role of ‘Baburao’ in the franchise. Things became murkier after Akshay Kumar’s team filed a lawsuit against him. They have sought Rs. 25 crore for the damages caused to their production house over the abrupt exit and mentioned the actor took part payment and shot for certain minutes. However, new reports reveal Paresh has returned his signing amount.
Paresh Rawal returns Rs. 11 lakh signing amount to Hera Pheri 3 makers
A new report from Bollywood Hungama has revealed that Paresh Rawal, whose exit from Hera Pheri 3 caused a major stir, has returned his signing amount with a 15 percent interest to Akshay Kumar’s production house that filed a lawsuit against him. At the same time, it revealed that the actor was supposed to be paid Rs. 15 crore in total for his role in the upcoming film in 2026 or 2027 after nearly two years. A source told the entertainment portal:
“The term sheet mentioned that Paresh Rawal would receive the balance amount – Rs. 14.89 crores – only one month after the release of the film. The senior actor had reservations about this clause. Also, the film’s principal shoot was to commence sometime next year. This means that Hera Pheri 3 was unlikely to be released before late 2026 or in the year 2027. In short, Paresh would have had to wait for nearly two years to get the rest of his acting fees.”
Source close to Paresh Rawal reveals the actor left long before the shot began
After some insiders called out Paresh Rawal for being ‘unprofessional’ for leaving Hera Pheri 3 midway after the shoot began, a source close to the actor sat down for an interview with IANS. The source shared that the actor, who has been a stalwart, has been unfairly called out for being unprofessional. It mentioned that only a promo had been shot for the film, and the filming was supposed to take place in 2026. The source was quoted as saying:
“Calling someone like Paresh Rawal, a stalwart with four decades of iconic work, ‘unprofessional’ is not just unfair, it’s laughable. Let’s be clear: the film hadn’t even started. There was a promo shoot, not a film schedule. The real shoot is planned for sometime next year. So, the idea that he ‘walked out’ is just the worst theatrical imagination at best.”
Akshay Kumar’s legal team claimed that certain minutes of the film were already shot
Akshay Kumar’s production house, Cape Of Good Films, is producing Hera Pheri 3. Consequently, they filed a legal case against Paresh Rawal for leaving after he took part payment of Rs. 11 lakh and shot some parts for the film. They also claimed that he never voiced any concerns in the meetings of the films, and his exit caused them to lose money over their investments in promotions and other things. Consequently, they have sought Rs. 25 crore in compensation. Later, Pooja Tidke, Joint Managing Partner of Parinam Law Associate, opened up about the matter and told PTI:
“There was some portion of about three-and-a-half minutes of the film itself that had been shot. Suddenly, a few days ago, we received a notice from Paresh ji saying that he is no longer associated with the film and doesn’t want to be associated with the film. So it’s taken everybody by shock and surprise, of course.”
Priyadarshan revealed Akshay Kumar had tears in his eyes after Paresh Rawal exited Hera Pheri 3
Priyadarshan directed the iconic 2000 film, Hera Pheri, and he will also direct Hera Pheri 3. When asked about Paresh’s exit, the filmmaker told Mid-day that the contracts from the film were signed, and ten days before Paresh’s exit, they had shot a scene and a teaser to play during the IPL. Moreover, Akshay Kumar bought the film’s franchise rights only after everyone who was on board with it. Consequently, the Housefull 5 actor became emotional after Paresh Rawal, who plays ‘Baburao’, announced his exit from the film. Priyadarshan mentioned that he feels Akshay shouldn’t face losses, and he understands that he has to take legal action against Paresh Rawal.
What do you think about the contrasting claims between a source and Akshay Kumar’s legal team?
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