Priyadarshan: 'Akshay Kumar in tears after Paresh Rawal’s sudden exit from Hera Pheri 3'

The surprise exit of Paresh Rawal from the upcoming comedy Hera Pheri 3 has shocked and disappointed Priyadarshan. The filmmaker claimed he was unaware of Rawal's decision until the actor made an official announcement.

Legal action by Akshay Kumar

Rawal, who plays the iconic character Babu Bhaiyya, has announced his departure. Fans and the Hera Pheri 3 crew are equally taken aback by the news. It has been reported that Akshay Kumar (Saugandh and Suhaag), who is both a producer and an actor in the film, is suing Rawal for ₹25 crore due to the actor's sudden departure.

Priyadarshan (Aakrosh and Khatta Meetha) stated as the events unfolded, "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."

Paresh Rawal sends a message after the announcement

After making up his mind, Rawal allegedly texted the director to explain. Priyadarshan said, "After his announcement, Paresh sent me 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."

Rawal asserted in an interview with Mid-Day that Priyadarshan made an effort to convince him to rethink. But the director has shot that down. The filmmaker added, "I didn’t 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 got nothing to do with you.’ He also wrote that we should work together again."

Remuneration rumours dismissed by both parties

There has been conjecture since Rawal left about potential creative differences over the three stars' responsibilities. In response, Priyadarshan stated, "With me, Akshay has never cut down anybody’s roles. He does not interfere with a director’s vision at all."

People also circulated the idea that Rawal was dissatisfied with his remuneration. Both the actor and the filmmaker refuted that. Priyadarshan revealed, "All our contracts were signed. Ten days ago, Suniel, Akshay, and Paresh shot a scene and the IPL 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."

Hera Pheri 3 is currently in an uncertain status; the future of the film depends on the creative team's ability to handle the aftermath or reimagine the project without a major actor.