Parash Rawal's decision to leave "Hera Pheri 3" has taken everyone by surprise. Following Rawal's official confirmation of leaving the movie, Akshay Kumar's production company Cape Of Good Films sued the actor for ₹25 crore. Rawal's sudden departure from the project last week has sent shockwaves in the film industry and among the fans of the franchise who have been waiting for the third part for close to 20 years.
Paresh Rawal had clearly indicated his involvement in the project through a social media post in January, said Pooja Tidke, Joint Managing Partner of Parinam Law Associate, which represents Kumar's banner, adding, "Thereafter, there were contracts entered into the shooting for the trailer. In fact, there was some portion of about three-and-a-half-minutes of the film itself that had been shot. Suddenly, a few days ago, we received a notice from Paresh ji saying that he is no longer associated with the film and doesn't want to be associated with the film. So it's taken everybody by shock and surprise of course."
“There's reputational damage involved for the actors that are committed to the film, the franchise as a whole, and of course there's a great deal of disappointment among the audience. So we're optimistic that things work out, but as of now we're facing legal issues," Tidke said. Though Rawal has not yet responded to the legal notice, she said they have given the actor seven days to respond.
The first film was directed by Priyadarshan, who is also attached with the third instalment. Rawal portrayed the role of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the first two installments, which were released in 2000 and 2006, respectively.
Director Priyadarshan said that Akshay Kumar had 'tears in his eyes' on hearing Paresh Rawal's decision of sudden exit from the movie, as per NDTV. The director told Mid-Day, "All of our contacts were signed Ten days ago, Suniel, Akshay, and Paresh shot a scene and the IPL [Indian Premier League] teaser. It was only after we unanimously agreed to do Hera Pheri 3 that Akshay bought the franchise's rights. Akshay had tears in his eyes when he asked me, 'Priyan, why is Paresh doing this to us?' Akshay shouldn't suffer financial losses because Paresh walked out on a whim. I understand that he will have to take whatever action is required."
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A few days ago, Paresh Rawal told Mid-Day that Priyadarshan had attempted to "change his mind" after he announced his decision to walk away from the project. However, Priyadarshan denied the claim, stating that no such conversation took place, saying, "I did not try to stop him because he never told me that he was leaving the project. When I tried calling him, he texted, saying, 'Please don't call me. This is my decision and it has nothing to do with you.' He also wrote that we should work together again. With me, Akshay has never cut down anybody's role. He does not interfere with a director's vision at all."
Meanwhile, Paresh Rawal in an interview with Mid-Day said that he told director Priyadarshan and other actors about his decision of leaving the movie. Contrary to Rawal's claim, the Director told Mid-Day, "I am very hurt and shocked as Paresh didn't inform any of us. He could have picked up the phone and told me before telling the media because we've been friends for years. Until last week, we shot Bhooth Bangla together with Akshay."
Priyadarshan further added that Rawal sent him a message saying, "'Priyan sir, I have nothing against you. I have a lot of respect for you, but I have my reasons for not doing the film.'"
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