Paresh Rawal Returns to 'Hera Pheri 3', Says All Issues 'Resolved'

After months of chaos, controversy, and legal notices, Hera Pheri 3 is back on track. Actor Paresh Rawal has confirmed that he has returned to the third instalment of the comedy franchise, which he quit in May. Rawal said all issues were "resolved" and there is no "controversy" now.

Rawal's long-time friend and co-star Akshay Kumar had sent him a legal notice claiming damages worth ₹25 crores, citing unprofessional behaviour as the veteran actor walked out of the project after signing the contract. Kumar is producing Hera Pheri 3 under his banner, Cape of Good Films.

"There’s no controversy. I believe that when people love something so much, then 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... It is all resolved now," Rawal said in a podcast with Himanshu Mehta.

Hera Pheri 3 was supposed to be headlined by the film's original cast, including Kumar (as Raju), Suniel Shetty (as Shyam), and Rawal playing the iconic character Baburao Ganpatrao Apte. The trio had also shot for an announcement video of the film.

When the host reconfirmed that Hera Pheri 3 will now be made with the original cast, Rawal replied, "It was always supposed to, but it’s just that we had to fine-tune ourselves. All of them are creative people, be it Priyadarshan, Akshay or Suniel. They are friends for many, many, many years."

Priyadarshan, who had directed the 2000 comedy, is back to helm the third instalment. The film's sequel in 2006 was helmed by Neeraj Vora, who was also the writer of Hera Pheri.

Apart from Hera Pheri 3, Rawal will be seen teaming up with Priyadarshan and Kumar in the upcoming horror comedy Bhoot Bangla, which also stars Tabu and Wamiqa Gabbi.