Actor Akshay Kumar is reportedly preparing to sue co-star Paresh Rawal for Rs 25 crore in damages following the latter's sudden departure from the highly anticipated film Hera Pheri 3, which has allegedly disrupted the shoot, according to a report by Hindustan Times.
The legal action comes just two days after Paresh Rawal publicly confirmed his exit from the film via a post on X (formerly Twitter).
In his statement on May 18, Rawal clarified that his decision was not linked to creative or financial disagreements. "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 disagreements with the filmmaker. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan," he wrote.
According to the report, Rawal had been offered nearly three times his regular fee for the role. Despite initially announcing his participation in January and taking part in pre-production activities, including a day of shooting and promotional material, Rawal's sudden withdrawal is being seen by the production team as damaging.
Akshay Kumar, who is also producing the film after acquiring its rights from Feroz Nadiadwala, had begun filming Hera Pheri 3 in April alongside Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal under the direction of Priyadarshan.
A source familiar with the situation said, “Paresh never voiced any issues during planning or filming. To now back out and disappoint fans while causing financial losses is unprofessional and unfair to the production.”
The source further added that Rawal’s conduct shows “a lack of professional commitment and commercial ethics,” noting that he had accepted a signing amount and committed to the project legally. “If he had concerns, he should have spoken up before signing the contract,” the source said.
Highlighting a broader issue within the film industry, the source emphasized, “Bollywood needs to evolve like Hollywood, where actors can no longer arbitrarily walk in and out of projects without consequences.”
Hera Pheri 3 is the third installment in the popular comedy franchise. The original film was released in 2000, followed by a sequel in 2006.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
