Hera Pheri 3 in legal trouble due to copywrite issues? Priyadarshan reacts

Hera Pheri 3 stars Paresh Rawal, Akshay Kumar, and Suniel Shetty, and the film has again landed in legal trouble. A South producer moved to the court claiming that he owns the rights to the film.

Hera Pheri cast, Priyadarshan

Hera Pheri 3 is in production with the original trio, Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Suniel Shetty, confirmed to return, with shooting expected to commence around February 2026 targeting a 2027 release. However, the film has landed in legal trouble as a South producer moved to the court claiming that he owns the rights to make the Hindi adaptation and not Firoz Nadiadwala or Akshay Kumar.

Why Hera Pheri 3 is in legal trouble?

GP Vijayakumar, MD of Seven Arts International, told HTCity that he has bought the entire rights for the Hera Pheri franchise from the original producers of Ramji Rao Speaking, Adithya Films, in 2022.

"They informed me that Firoz Nadiadwala had been given the right to make one Hindi version of the film. But he made a second version which released in 2006. He is not authorised to make a sequel or prequel, or use the characters," he said.

Vijayakumar explained that no action was taken after Phir Hera Pheri as the copyright holders at the time were unaware of the alleged violation. He said the first film was directed by Priyadarshan, with whom he has a close relationship, and the sequel was directed by Neeraj Vora.

He shared that he and the original producers and he realised much later that Nadiadwala had committed a violation and cheating. At the time, they let it go and thought of producing the next version in Hindi.

"We approached actor Akshay Kumar for the same and that’s when we got to know that Nadiadwala has sold the rights to Akshay’s production house Cape of Good Films. We sent Nadiadwala a legal notice on how he could sell something he did not own. I had no option but to move the Court," he said.

Also Read: Hera Pheri 3: What made Paresh Rawal return to the franchise? Know here

What did Priyadarshan say?

The portal reached out to Akshay Kumar's production house, and the spokesperson said that they bought the rights from Nadiadwala under the assumption that he owned them. Meanwhile, Priyadarshan, who is going to direct Hera Pheri 3, told the portal, “No idea."

FAQs

Q: Is Hera Pheri 3 coming out?

A: Hera Pheri 3 is underway with Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Suniel Shetty, directed by Priyadarshan. Rawal recently confirmed that they will begin shooting in February-March 2026.

Q: Did Paresh Rawal quit Hera Pheri 3?

A: Paresh Rawal initially quit Hera Pheri 3 but later confirmed that all issues have been resolved and he has returned to the franchise.

Q: Who are the lead actors in Hera Pheri 3?

A: Paresh Rawal, Akshay Kumar, and Suniel Shetty will reprise Baburao, Raju, and Shyam roles, respectively, in Hera Pheri 3.

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