The long-anticipated production of Hera Pheri 3, which features a star-studded cast including Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal, appears to be in serious jeopardy. Filmmaker Priyadarshan, who directed the original 2000 cult classic, has publicly stated his belief that the third installment may never reach theatres. The director, who previously confirmed in July that he is no longer associated with the project, described the situation as being fraught with “too many complications.”
During a recent discussion, Priyadarshan explained that the obstacles surrounding the film are extensive, noting, “I’d need chapters and chapters to talk about it.” Beyond the logistical hurdles, the director also highlighted ongoing legal disputes and personal conflicts that have stifled progress. He explicitly stated, “I don’t think it will ever get made,” marking a significant shift from earlier periods when there was considerable optimism regarding the revival of the iconic franchise.
The director’s disillusionment stems partly from his complex relationship with producer Firoz Nadiadwala. Priyadarshan alleged that Nadiadwala had insulted his work on the original film, claiming the producer had disparaged his initial cut of the movie. According to the filmmaker, Nadiadwala had requested that Akshay Kumar never associate with him for a potential third entry in the series. These interpersonal tensions have contributed to the director’s decision to distance himself, despite his initial enthusiasm for the project’s potential.
Priyadarshan noted that he had initially agreed to lead the third film because he believed it could become one of India’s most successful franchises. He revealed that he had even narrated a story to the lead actors, who were reportedly excited about the concept. However, the accumulation of various setbacks, including internal disputes, has led him to abandon those plans entirely. The filmmaker stated that for him, the focus remains on creative integrity rather than merely capitalizing on the brand equity of a previous hit.
This philosophy also explains why Priyadarshan recently declined an offer from Akshay Kumar to direct Bhagam Bhag 2. The director argued that sequels should only be pursued if the new narrative is demonstrably better than the original, likening the standard to the Terminator franchise, where he believes the second film surpassed the first. He cautioned that many sequels today are treated as commercial projects rather than creative endeavors, often diluting the value of the original work.
The troubled production of Hera Pheri 3 has been public knowledge for some time, with the project facing a series of high-profile hurdles. Among these was the unexpected departure of Paresh Rawal, who portrays the beloved character Baburao Ganpatrao Apte. This exit reportedly led to legal action, with Akshay Kumar filing a lawsuit seeking Rs 25 crore from his co-star. Although Rawal later confirmed that the issues had been resolved and he would return to the franchise, the underlying complications persist.
As it stands, the future of the series remains uncertain. While fans have long clamored for a reunion of the trio—Raju, Shyam, and Baburao—the combination of legal battles and the loss of the original director has left the project in a state of limbo. Priyadarshan maintains that he is comfortable with other filmmakers taking on sequels if they so choose, but he remains firmly committed to his decision to step away from this specific project, citing his preference to avoid projects that are burdened by excessive internal friction.
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