For fans of Bollywood comedy, Hera Pheri is more than just a movie—it’s a cultural phenomenon. And no character is more beloved than Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, played by the legendary Paresh Rawal. So when news broke that he might not return for Hera Pheri 3, it caused a major stir among fans and within the industry.
Let’s break down what exactly happened, when, and what it means for the future of the franchise.
Why Paresh Rawal Matters So Much
Since the first Hera Pheri in 2000, the trio of Akshay Kumar (Raju), Suniel Shetty (Shyam), and Paresh Rawal (Babu Bhaiya) have become an irreplaceable part of Indian pop culture. Their chemistry, comic timing, and unforgettable lines made the franchise iconic. So naturally, anything that disrupts this magic makes headlines—and worries fans.
Timeline of the Hera Pheri 3 Controversy
📍 Early 2025: All Good on Paper
- Hera Pheri 3 was officially announced with the original cast and Priyadarshan returning as director.
- But insiders reported that the script wasn’t finalized, and Rawal had no clear idea about his character’s importance or screen time.
📍 April–May 2025: Trouble Brews
- Rawal joined a promotional shoot and teaser with Akshay and Suniel.
- Suddenly, in May, he announced his exit from the film—not due to creative differences, but for “other reasons.”
- Akshay Kumar’s production house responded with a ₹25 crore lawsuit for breach of contract. Rawal returned his signing amount of ₹11 lakh, claiming there was no binding agreement.
📍 Late May to June 2025: Fallout and Fan Pressure
- Director Priyadarshan and Suniel Shetty expressed disappointment, saying the movie couldn’t move forward without Babu Bhaiya.
- Online, fans were furious at the idea of a Hera Pheri movie without Rawal. Social media was flooded with memes, appeals, and even calls for boycotts.
- Behind the scenes, Akshay, producer Sajid Nadiadwala, and Ahmed Khan worked to resolve the issue.
📍 End of June 2025: The Big Comeback
- On June 28, Paresh Rawal officially confirmed his return, saying the matter was sorted and he felt a duty to fans.
- Production is now set to begin in December 2025, with a planned release in late 2026 or 2027.
What Caused the Conflict?
1. Contract Confusion & Payment Terms
Rawal was reportedly unhappy with a contract clause that delayed most of his ₹15 crore fee until after release. Combined with an unclear script, this created doubt about his involvement.
2. Emotional Impact on the Franchise
Fans and co-stars alike made it clear: Hera Pheri without Babu Bhaiya is incomplete. This overwhelming sentiment played a key role in bringing him back.
3. Delays and Creative Disruption
The fallout pushed back the film’s production, but also highlighted how crucial it is to have clear scripts and transparent contracts, especially in big franchises.
What’s Hera Pheri 3 About?
While full plot details are still under wraps, here’s what we know:
- The story continues from Phir Hera Pheri (2006), where the trio ends up broke, holding three antique guns they don’t realize are worth a fortune.
- Hera Pheri 3 follows their misadventures across borders, getting involved with the mafia, hidden treasure, mistaken identities, and more.
- Sanjay Dutt joins the cast as a gangster, adding new flavor to the madness.
- The script is based on the original draft by Neeraj Vora, polished for today’s audience.
What This Means for the Future
With all three original leads confirmed and the drama behind them, Hera Pheri 3 is finally on track. The delay may have frustrated fans, but it also showed just how much people care about the franchise.
“When a project is loved by so many, it becomes a responsibility to treat it with extra care. You can’t take things for granted. It is all resolved now.”
— Paresh Rawal
This quote sums it up. Fans wanted the original trio, and now they’re getting it.
Final Thoughts
The Hera Pheri 3 drama was a rollercoaster—filled with surprises, statements, lawsuits, and ultimately, reconciliation. But in the end, it also proved one thing: Some things are worth fighting for, especially when they mean so much to so many.
With the team reunited, the legacy of Hera Pheri looks set to continue—and hopefully, with as much laughter as ever.
Previous two movies Hera Pheri and Phir Hera Pheri are available on Prime Video.
Stay tuned to AbsoluteCinema.in for more updates, reviews, and detailed box office reports