Post by : Anis Farhan

Photo: Instagram

A rocky pause for Baburao

The Hera Pheri franchise wouldn’t be what it is without Baburao Ganpatrao Apte—played by the legendary Paresh Rawal. So when news broke in May 2025 that Rawal had exited Hera Pheri 3, fans were left stunned. The exit wasn’t over creative clashes, as many assumed, but reportedly due to payment terms in his contract. The actor clarified he had no issues with director Priyadarshan or his co-stars, but a clause in the contract—where a large portion of his ₹14.89 crore fee would be paid only after the film’s release in 2027—didn’t sit well with him.

Legal warning and money matters

Soon after his departure, Paresh Rawal returned the ₹11 lakh signing amount with 15% interest and an additional goodwill sum. Still, Akshay Kumar’s production house, Cape of Good Films, sent a legal notice seeking up to ₹25 crore in damages. The reason? Losses related to the shoot of a promotional trailer and prep costs already incurred for Rawal’s role.

Though legal tensions simmered, Rawal handled the matter with grace, emphasizing that the dispute wasn’t personal. His respectful exit, including repayment with interest, signaled he didn’t want to burn bridges—even if he wasn’t planning to return.

Akshay and Suniel stand by him

Through the drama, Suniel Shetty publicly expressed sadness over Rawal’s departure, hinting at behind-the-scenes efforts to patch things up. Akshay Kumar, too, came to his longtime co-star’s defense, urging fans not to judge too quickly. He clarified that while legal notices were standard in such situations, he never intended for the disagreement to turn into a personal feud.

These gestures meant a lot to Rawal. As he later said in interviews, the support he received from the team and fans was a big reason he chose to reconsider his decision.

A cryptic tweet sparks hope

In early June, Rawal responded to a fan on X (formerly Twitter) who asked if he would return to the film. His reply?
“NO… There are Three Heroes in Hera Pheri.”
That one-liner sent social media into a frenzy, with fans taking it as a sign that the original trio—Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal—would be back. Though Rawal stayed quiet for a few more weeks, his tone had clearly shifted. From exit interviews to teasing hints, everything pointed to a reunion.

The official confirmation

On June 30, in a podcast interview, Paresh Rawal finally confirmed what fans had been hoping to hear: he was officially back in Hera Pheri 3. Speaking candidly, he said, “There’s no controversy. There was a bit of confusion about timelines and communication, but it’s all resolved. We’ve aligned now and it’s time to move ahead.”

He emphasized that returning was not just a professional choice but a personal one, driven by fan expectations and his respect for the team. “You can’t take things for granted,” he said, “especially with a film so loved by people.”

Fans and the internet rejoice

The internet erupted in celebration. Reddit threads praised Rawal’s integrity during the fallout and his decision to return. Comments like “Baburao is the soul of Hera Pheri” and “This film isn’t complete without him” filled fan forums. Others speculated that this return would set the tone for the trilogy’s finale, restoring the franchise’s original energy and humor.

Even those critical of sequels felt relieved, seeing the original trio reunite under Priyadarshan’s direction. For many, it wasn’t just about a movie—it was about nostalgia, chemistry, and the characters that had become household names.

What’s next for the film?

With all three leads back, Hera Pheri 3 is expected to move forward at full pace. Shooting is likely to begin by late 2025. While the script is under wraps, sources suggest that the film will retain the original flavor of comedy and chaos that made its predecessors iconic.

Rawal noted that the team is being “very cautious” to get it right. “We’re doing this for the fans,” he said. “We can’t let them down.” Given the film’s legacy and the weight of expectations, the pressure is immense—but so is the excitement.

A franchise reborn

The return of Paresh Rawal isn’t just a casting update—it’s a reset for a franchise that risked losing its identity. With Akshay, Suniel, and Paresh reunited, Hera Pheri 3 now feels like the sequel fans deserve. And if the enthusiasm from audiences is any indicator, the third chapter might just be its most anticipated yet.

Disclaimer:

This article has been prepared by Newsible Asia purely for informational and editorial purposes. The information is based on publicly available sources as of June 2025 and does not constitute financial, medical, or professional advice.