Akshay Kumar resolves Hera Pheri 3 issues as the acclaimed comedy franchise brings back its original stars, following a period of internal disputes. Paresh Rawal, Akshay Kumar, and Suniel Shetty have agreed to return, clearing the way for the anticipated sequel to move forward for a 2026 release.
Priyadarshan Confirms Reconciliation and Apology
Filmmaker Priyadarshan shared an important update regarding Hera Pheri 3, stating that all concerns among the trio—Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Suniel Shetty—were addressed in a recent meeting. Paresh Rawal issued an apology to Priyadarshan for stepping away from the project and explained his decision to return:
“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.”
—Priyadarshan, Filmmaker
Priyadarshan emphasized that both Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal reached out to him to confirm that their disagreements were resolved. He clarified that neither producer Sajid Nadiadwala nor filmmaker Ahmed Khan were involved in brokering the reunion, underscoring that the resolution was driven by the three principal actors themselves.
Challenges Ahead for the New Sequel
With the cast united, Priyadarshan will begin work on the script, aiming to start production by the end of the year. Despite the progress, the director remains candid about the challenges ahead, expressing concern about living up to the original film’s reputation. He has stated that the second installment, Phir Hera Pheri, did not meet expectations, in part because of its adaptation from the British crime comedy Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
The film is currently scheduled for a 2026 release. Fans of the franchise have shown enthusiasm for the trio’s reunion, while some online have dismissed the previous conflict as a potential public relations maneuver.
Collaborative History Between the Stars
The collaboration between Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal extends beyond the Hera Pheri franchise. The two actors worked alongside Suniel Shetty in other projects helmed by Priyadarshan, such as Bhooth Bangla, which has already completed filming. Additionally, Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Suniel Shetty will appear together in the upcoming Welcome To The Jungle. Production on that film had also been delayed but is now expected to begin soon, highlighting the ongoing working relationship between these key Bollywood figures.
Significance for Bollywood and What Lies Ahead
The successful resolution of disputes within the cast has cleared the path for Hera Pheri 3 to proceed, bringing significant anticipation among longtime fans. The commitment from Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Suniel Shetty demonstrates the enduring popularity of the franchise and sets the stage for more collaborations. With pre-production now moving forward and filming set for later in the year, attention will turn to whether the next chapter can recapture the magic that made the original Hera Pheri an iconic comedy in Indian cinema.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Which actress refused to work with Akshay Kumar?
A. Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif have acted together in more than seven hit movies, including “Humko Deewana Kar Gaye” and “Namaste London.” Their pairing in these films was very popular with audiences. However, there was a time when Katrina Kaif said she did not want to work with Akshay Kumar, as the actor himself revealed.
Q. While both are happily married to fellow actors, did you know Kajol once had a crush on Akshay Kumar? Karan Johar had once spilled the secret on a TV show and revealed that Kajol had a crush on Akshay Kumar. On The Kapil Sharma Show, Karan Johar once revealed a fun anecdote about Kajol’s crush on Akshay Kumar.
A. Kajol once shared that she liked Akshay Kumar when they first met. She found him charming and good-looking at the time.
Later, Kajol explained that her feelings were just a harmless crush. It was nothing serious or long-lasting between them.
