The Grand Return: Paresh Rawal Confirms His Comeback to Hera Pheri 3
The long-awaited news has finally dropped, sending ripples of excitement across the Bollywood landscape. Veteran actor Paresh Rawal, whose iconic portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the Hera Pheri franchise has endeared him to millions, has officially confirmed his return to the much-anticipated Hera Pheri 3. This announcement marks a pivotal moment for a film that has faced numerous production hurdles and a decade of fervent fan anticipation.
Behind the Scenes: Acknowledging the Reconciliation
While official statements from producer Akshay Kumar and the film’s production team are yet to surface, director Priyadarshan has unequivocally confirmed that the beloved comedy threequel is back on track. The celebrated filmmaker, who helmed the original 2000 cult classic Hera Pheri, revealed the emotional telephone calls that sealed the deal. “Both Akshay and Paresh called to say that everything is sorted,” Priyadarshan shared, detailing a moment that brought immense relief. He recounted Paresh Rawal’s heartfelt apology: “I was in shock when Paresh said, ‘Sir, I’m doing the movie. I have never had anything except a lot of respect for you. I’ve done 26 movies with you, and I’m sorry to have left the film. There were some personal issues.'” This candid admission underscores the deep professional bond between the actor and director.
The Irreplaceable Trio: Akshay, Paresh, and Suniel’s Crucial Reunion
The heart of the Hera Pheri franchise lies in the unparalleled chemistry between its three leads: Akshay Kumar as Raju, Paresh Rawal as Baburao, and Suniel Shetty as Shyam. Priyadarshan emphasized that the success of Hera Pheri 3 hinges on the presence of this iconic trio. He recounted a personal anecdote, sharing how a diamond merchant and his family approached him on a flight, pleading for Paresh Rawal’s return and asserting they wouldn’t watch the film otherwise. This perfectly illustrates the profound connection fans have with these characters and the actors who bring them to life. The director also confirmed that Akshay, Paresh, and Suniel Shetty themselves convened to iron out any lingering issues, demonstrating their shared commitment to the project.
Charting the Course: Priyadarshan’s Vision for the Threequel
With the core cast now re-established, Priyadarshan is set to commence writing the script for Hera Pheri 3. The goal is ambitious: production is slated to begin by the close of this year, with a release eyed for the following year. However, the film will proceed without the invaluable contribution of Neeraj Vora, who not only penned the screenplay for the first installment but also directed the 2006 sequel, Phir Hera Pheri. Tragically, Vora passed away in 2017 after suffering a stroke, leaving a void in the creative team.
Priyadarshan also offered a frank assessment of the franchise’s trajectory. While revering his own work on the original Hera Pheri, he candidly remarked, “Whatever I do, I cannot surpass Hera Pheri.” He was less complimentary about the sequel, stating, “The second part was bad; it was a copy of a Hollywood movie.” Indeed, Phir Hera Pheri faced criticism for allegedly borrowing heavily from Guy Ritchie’s 1998 neo-noir black comedy crime drama, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. The director also dispelled rumors of external mediation, confirming that producers Sajid Nadiadwala and filmmaker Ahmed Khan were not involved in the reconciliation between Akshay and Paresh.
Beyond Hera Pheri 3: Other Collaborations on the Horizon
The renewed camaraderie among the beloved trio extends beyond Hera Pheri 3. Fans will be delighted to learn that Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Suniel Shetty are also set to reunite in Ahmed Khan’s upcoming adventure comedy, Welcome to the Jungle. This film serves as the third installment in the popular Welcome franchise, which began with Anees Bazmee’s 2007 hit. While Paresh Rawal featured in both Welcome and its 2015 sequel Welcome Back, Akshay Kumar was only part of the inaugural film. Suniel Shetty, a fresh face to this particular franchise, will round out the comedic ensemble.
Furthermore, the creative partnership between Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal, guided by Priyadarshan, will continue with the horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla. This intriguing project is slated for a cinematic release on April 2, 2026, promising more of their unique on-screen dynamic.
The Decade-Long Saga of Hera Pheri 3’s Development
The journey to Hera Pheri 3 has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, spanning over a decade of speculation, setbacks, and shifting allegiances. Initially, Akshay Kumar had reportedly stepped away from the project, only to rejoin after acquiring the franchise rights from producer Firoz Nadiadwala. Subsequently, when Priyadarshan came on board as director, it was Paresh Rawal who surprisingly exited, albeit without providing official reasons at the time. This led to a period of legal contention, with Akshay Kumar reportedly suing Paresh Rawal for an alleged breach of contract. The recent breakthroughs, marked by heartfelt apologies and direct dialogue, signify a true turning point, finally paving the way for the return of one of Indian cinema’s most cherished comedy franchises.
