Hera Pheri 3 Faces Turmoil as Director Priyadarshan Exits Project

The upcoming film Hera Pheri 3 is mired in controversy as director Priyadarshan exits the project, citing legal troubles and disputes with producer Firoz Nadiadwala. The film, which aims to reunite the beloved trio of Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal, has faced numerous setbacks, including copyright claims and Rawal's departure. Priyadarshan's comments suggest that the film may never be released with the original cast due to ongoing legal complications. Fans are left wondering if the iconic franchise can continue without its original director. Will Hera Pheri 3 ever hit the screens? Read on to find out more.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 3, 2026, 11:58 IST

Hera Pheri 3's Ongoing Challenges

The much-anticipated Hera Pheri 3 has been surrounded by controversy since its announcement. This third installment aims to reunite Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal in their beloved roles as Raju, Shyam, and Baburao. However, the project has faced significant setbacks, including Paresh Rawal's departure and a legal notice demanding Rs 25 crore. Additionally, the film encountered copyright disputes, and recently, director Priyadarshan confirmed his exit from the project, citing troubling allegations against producer Firoz Nadiadwala.

Insights from Priyadarshan on His Departure

In an interview with Mid-Day, Priyadarshan disclosed that Firoz had informed Akshay that he possessed the rights to produce Hera Pheri 3 but advised against collaborating with him. He expressed that this was his sole condition. The director also mentioned feeling disrespected by Firoz, who allegedly criticized his work on the original Hera Pheri (2000), claiming it resembled a low-budget version. Priyadarshan shared that he had to condense his five-hour film into a shorter version.

Initially, he was enthusiastic about directing the sequel, believing it could evolve into one of India's most significant franchises. He remarked, "Had I directed it, I could have made it larger than Dhurandhar." He noted that Akshay, Suniel, and Paresh were eager for him to helm Hera Pheri 3 after he presented the storyline to them.

Ongoing Issues with Hera Pheri 3

Reportedly, complications began in 2025 when GP Vijayakumar from Seven Arts Films warned Priyadarshan that proceeding with the film could result in legal issues. The director expressed uncertainty about how to move forward. During the interview, he suggested that Hera Pheri 3 might never see the light of day with the original cast due to various legal entanglements. He stated, "In my view, Hera Pheri (2000) was born, Hera Pheri 2 (2006) fell ill, and Hera Pheri 3 will be dead." He described the situation as a "legally intricate copyright battle." Meanwhile, Firoz has indicated that progress is being made. Fans remain hopeful that the film will eventually come to fruition and honor the legacy of the franchise. However, many doubt its success without Priyadarshan at the helm, as the ongoing pre-production issues have already led to the film being labeled as "jinxed."What are your thoughts on this? Share with us.