Akshay Kumar Clarifies 'Hera Pheri 3' Dispute with Paresh Rawal Was Not a Publicity Stunt.

Akshay Kumar has clarified that the controversy surrounding Hera Pheri 3 was not a publicity stunt. He stated that the legal dispute with co-star Paresh Rawal was genuine and has since been resolved. Kumar emphasized that the matter has been resolved and any announcement about the film could be made soon. The original cast, including Rawal and Suniel Shetty, is set to reunite for the third installment of the popular franchise.

In a recent interview, actor Akshay Kumar has addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the third installment of the popular comedy franchise Hera Pheri 3. Kumar clarified that the legal dispute with his co-star Paresh Rawal was not a publicity stunt but a genuine issue that has since been resolved [1].

The saga began in 2022 when Akshay Kumar announced he wouldn't return to the franchise due to creative differences, leading to rumors that Kartik Aaryan might take over his role. However, Kumar later rejoined the project, and the original trio of Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Suniel Shetty was seen together in a promotional shoot [2]. Tensions flared again earlier this year when reports claimed Rawal had exited the film, allegedly over differences with director Priyadarshan. Rawal confirmed his departure but denied any issues with the director. Soon after, news surfaced that Kumar, who holds rights to the franchise, had taken legal action against Rawal, prompting the veteran actor to reportedly return payments he had received [2].

Despite the turbulence, both actors reportedly reconciled, with Rawal back on board for the third installment. With the dispute behind them, Hera Pheri 3 has resumed development, reuniting the original cast more than two decades after the first film released in 2000 [3].

Kumar emphasized that the matter has been resolved and any announcement about the film could be made soon. He stated, "The things went legal, so when legal things are involved, we cannot call it a publicity stunt; it is a real thing. But ab sab kuch thik ho gaya hai. We are back together" [3].

The excitement around Hera Pheri 3 has been massive, with fans eagerly awaiting the new chapter in the hilarious world of Raju, Shyam, and Babu Bhaiya. The original cast's reunion is a significant development for the franchise, which has been a pop-culture phenomenon since its inception in the early 2000s.

References:
[1] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/hera-pheri-3-controversy-how-suniel-shetty-helped-reunite-akshay-kumar-and-paresh-rawal-for-comedy-franchise/articleshow/122795049.cms
[2] https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/akshay-kumar-dismisses-publicity-stunt-claims-around-hera-pheri-3-dispute-with-paresh-rawal/article69861220.ece
[3] https://www.indiaforums.com/article/akshay-kumar-confirms-hera-pheri-3-is-back-on-tracks-nahi-yeh-publicity-stunt-nahi-hai_225230