Priyadarshan on Hera Pheri row: 'Akshay Kumar bought the rights for ₹10 crore'

The long-awaited comedy reunion with Hera Pheri 3 is currently mired in legal issues, ruining everyone's expectations. Produced by Firoz Nadiadwala and starring Paresh Rawal, the film has run into trouble in the court battle between the two parties, who have new claims on the franchise's IPR. The film was supposed to bring together Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Suniel Shetty.

Paresh Rawal exits amid contractual disputes

After producers refused to deliver a screenplay, script, or official agreement, Rawal's legal team claims, the actor left the production. According to Ameet Naik, his lawyer, Rawal (Judaai and Daud) paid back the ₹11 lakh plus interest. In addition, Naik disclosed that Nadiadwala had alerted Rawal about legal difficulties regarding the film's development through a note she wrote to him.

Producer's legal notice sparks further controversy

The situation became even more complicated when rumours started circulating that Nadiadwala had sent notices to Priyadarshan (Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu and Hello My Dear Wrong Number), the director, and the cast, asserting his ownership of the property and its characters. Their participation in or promotion of Hera Pheri was supposedly forbidden by the notice.

These allegations were denied by filmmaker Priyadarshan, who is presently in Hyderabad for the post-production of his film, Bhooth Bangla. He explained to Mid Day that Akshay Kumar had purchased the rights to the whole Hera Pheri series.

Agreement prompted Priyadarshan's involvement

"Akshay bought the entire rights of the 'Hera Pheri' franchise for ₹10 crore from Firoz Nadiadwala, who had produced the first two parts. This is not just for Hera Pheri 3 but the entire franchise. I know this, as I have seen the paperwork for it," Priyadarshan said.

He went on to say that before filming began, Akshay had shown him the agreement. The filmmaker stated that actually, he consented to join the team only after the actor presented him with the agreement, which included the intellectual property rights that he had acquired from Firoz Nadiadwala.

Akshay Kumar responds to Paresh Rawal exit at Housefull 5 trailer launch

Akshay addressed Rawal's departure from the film at the Housefull 5 trailer premiere on May 27. "Using a word like ‘foolish’ for my co-star, I’d not appreciate that. That’s not right. We have worked together for the last 32 years, he said restrainedly when questioned about it.

He continued by saying that what has transpired is a grave matter, and the court will handle it. This is not something he intends to discuss.

As long as both sides stick to their guns over the intellectual property rights, Hera Pheri 3 won't have a clear legal standing.