The age-old dispute of the original Hera Pheri cast reunion has hit yet another snag with the sudden exit of Paresh Rawal from Hera Pheri 3, which has triggered a legal tussle with co-star and producer Akshay Kumar. Akshay Kumar commented on this issue for the first time, stating that he finds the situation “very serious.” Further explaining, he has confirmed that the dispute is currently in court.

In one of the recent interviews, Akshay Kumar added, “I’ve been collaborating with Paresh ji for more than 30 years. He is not only a good actor but also a friend, and this, unfortunately, is a matter of great concern for the judiciary.” He further stressed that no matter how long they have worked together, the dispute is not personal; rather, it is contractual, financial, and legal.

I wish to put it on record that my decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 was not due to creative differences. I REITERATE THAT THERE ARE NO CREATIVE DISAGREEMENT WITH THE FILM MAKER . I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan the film director.

— Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) May 18, 2025

The controversy originated when Paresh Rawal, who portrayed the memorable Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the first two Hera Pheri films, chose not to reprise his role for the third instalment. This was followed by a lawsuit from Akshay Kumar’s production house claiming reimbursement of lost finances over the casting, crew, logistics, and trailer shoot expenses. Rawal’s legal team fired back, arguing that the actor was not given a conclusive script or a long-form contract and that he forfeited the Rs 11 lakh signing bonus freely given.

Fans of the cult comedy franchise were eagerly waiting for Hera Pheri 3, but with Rawal’s departure, it seems there is no clarity on the film’s future. Both sides have filed legal complaints against one another at this time, and a decision is expected from the court within weeks.

Read: Pankaj Tripathi Replacing Paresh Rawal? Here’s the Truth Behind the Hera Pheri 3 Controversy