Legal Dispute Erupts Over 'Hera Pheri' Rights

The iconic Bollywood comedy franchise 'Hera Pheri' is embroiled in a legal controversy as producer Firoz Nadiadwala files a complaint alleging fraud and extortion over the film's rights. Nadiadwala claims that individuals conspired to seize his legal copyright and remake rights, leading to a police investigation. This dispute, rooted in a 2000 agreement for remake rights, has resurfaced after 25 years, raising questions about the ownership and legality of the franchise's rights. The case highlights the complexities of film rights in the industry and the potential impact on Nadiadwala's reputation and business.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 2, 2026, 15:54 IST

Hera Pheri Franchise Faces Legal Challenges

The beloved Bollywood comedy franchise 'Hera Pheri' is back in the spotlight, but this time due to a serious legal issue rather than a new film release. Producer Firoz Nadiadwala has lodged a complaint at the Amboli police station in Mumbai, alleging fraud and extortion. He claims that a group of individuals has conspired to seize his legal copyright and remake rights.

In his complaint, the 62-year-old Nadiadwala explained that the dispute is linked to 'Hera Pheri', which is based on the 1989 Malayalam film 'Ramji Rao Speaking'. He stated that he legally acquired the Hindi and other language remake rights from Suresh Kumar Singhal of M/s Compact Disc India Limited for ₹4.5 lakh in 2000.

Nadiadwala recounted that just seven days before the release of 'Hera Pheri' in 2000, he faced pressure from certain individuals attempting to extort money from him. He mentioned, "At that time, a significant investment had already been made in the film, so out of fear of defamation and loss, I was compelled to pay them, even though the court had issued a stay order in my favor."

According to the complaint, this issue has resurfaced 25 years later. Nadiadwala accused the original film's owners, Siddique KL and M Paul Michael, of selling the rights again to Gopala Pillai Vijaykumar of M/s Seven Arts International for ₹3 lakh on May 12, 2022, despite knowing that the rights had already been sold.

Following his complaint, the police have registered a case against Gopala Pillai Vijaykumar and M Paul Michael under IPC sections 318, 356, and 3, with further investigations underway.

He also revealed that in December 2024, he received a legal notice declaring his 2006 film 'Phir Hera Pheri' illegal. The notice demanded ₹60 lakh and a 25% share of the film's total profits. Nadiadwala alleged that the involved parties were obstructing his company's public listing process and spreading false news using the names of actors like Akshay Kumar, Sunil Shetty, and Paresh Rawal, damaging his professional reputation.

The police have initiated an investigation into this complaint, and the involved parties may be summoned for questioning. This case centers around Nadiadwala's claim that the rights associated with 'Hera Pheri' and 'Phir Hera Pheri' have been misused despite having been sold previously, leading to new demands and legal actions.