Priyadarshan finally break silence on Hera Pheri 3: “Definitely not this year”

Priyadarshan finally break silence on Hera Pheri 3 amid legal battle: “Definitely not this year”

• Hera Pheri 3 delayed due to ongoing legal disputes over rights
• Director Priyadarshan confirms filming won't start this year
• Paresh Rawal will return; no animosity with Priyadarshan

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Director Priyadarshan has finally addressed the ongoing delays surrounding the highly anticipated comedy Hera Pheri 3, confirming that the film will not begin shooting this year due to ongoing legal complications.

The update comes as a disappointment to fans who have been waiting for years to see the beloved trio — Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal — return to their iconic roles.

Speaking with ETimes, Priyadarshan said that the project is currently entangled in a messy legal battle over film and music rights, which must be resolved before production can restart. He said, “Certain people said they have the rights to the film, while others claimed rights to the music.”

The director added that only after these issues are sorted out can the team think about moving forward with the third instalment. “Definitely not this year,” he stated when asked whether Hera Pheri 3 would go on floors in 2026.

The roots of the dispute trace back to contentions over who holds the franchise rights. A South Indian producer has approached the Madras High Court, alleging that producer Firoz Nadiadwala lacked authority to transfer the rights to Akshay Kumar’s banner, Cape of Good Films, and that rival claims exist regarding both the film and music rights.

Priyadarshan also addressed past controversies involving cast members. Earlier, pause and uncertainty had surrounded the participation of Paresh Rawal in the project, though reports later indicated that he had resolved his issues with the production and would return.

Addressing his equation with Paresh, Priyadarshan said there is no animosity between them. "I've seen people fall out and then work together again. I don't think there are permanent enemies in politics or cinema," he added.

The Hera Pheri franchise has a long legacy in Hindi cinema, beginning with the 2000 classic directed by Priyadarshan and starring the trio in breakout comic roles, followed by the 2006 sequel Phir Hera Pheri. The third instalment has been much talked about over the years, but this latest confirmation from the director suggests fans will have to wait even longer before the film begins shooting.

Also read: Priyadarshan hikes Rajpal Yadav’s fees amid legal row says, “We want to save him”

While Hera Pheri 3 remains in limbo, Priyadarshan has other projects lined up, including the horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla, which is still on track for an April release.