27 March,2026 05:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Priyadarshan on Hera Pheri 3
The legal troubles surrounding Hera Pheri 3 show no signs of easing. Following the face-off between the film's lead actors, Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal, the project has now been hit by a fresh copyright controversy. Filmmaker Priyadarshan recently confirmed that the project is currently stuck due to unresolved legal disputes, and the film will go on floors once sorted.
In an exclusive interaction with India Today, filmmaker Priyadarshan confirmed that the much-anticipated sequel remains stalled due to legal issues. "It is still⦠there are some legal issues. We are trying to sort it out. Once that is sorted, then we'll go ahead with that film," he said.
When asked about returning to comedy, he responded, "Let's see. You also pray that I'll have the brain to do it."
The highly awaited comedy Hera Pheri 3 has encountered a major legal hurdle after a South Indian production house moved the Madras High Court, claiming that it holds the copyright to the franchise, not producer Firoz Nadiadwala. The dispute has cast uncertainty over the future of the film.
The first film, Hera Pheri (2000), directed by Priyadarshan, is a remake of the 1989 Malayalam film Ramji Rao Speaking, which itself was said to be inspired by the 1971 American TV film See the Man Run. According to Seven Arts International, it has full rights to the original content, including adaptations and sequels, and the company claims that Nadiadwala's rights were limited to a single Hindi remake.
Hera Pheri 3 has not faced legal trouble only over its rights. At one point, Paresh Rawal had exited the film, following which Akshay Kumar reportedly moved court against him, seeking Rs 25 crore in damages. However, the matter was resolved quickly, with Akshay later withdrawing the case.
Clarifying that the issue is resolved, Rawal said in a podcast, "There's no controversy. I believe that when people have loved something so much, you have to be extra careful. It is our responsibility toward the audience. The audience has given you so much adulation. You can't take things for granted. Mehnat karke unko (film) do."
