Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi

New Delhi, May 23: In a dramatic turn of events that has left Bollywood fans stunned, veteran actor Paresh Rawal’s sudden exit from the much-awaited comedy sequel Hera Pheri 3 has stirred up a storm — not just in the media, but also among the film’s own cast.

Speaking to E24, actor Suniel Shetty opened up about the actor’s unexpected departure and said he was "just as shocked as everyone else." He added that while he briefly spoke to Rawal, a full conversation is still pending. "Paresh ji ne kaha mil ke baat karenge... Humne trailer shoot bhi kiya hua hai. Bohot hi charged the (He said we will meet and talk. We had shot the trailer, and he was very excited)," Shetty said with evident disappointment.

The controversy took a serious turn after Akshay Kumar’s production house, Cape of Good Films, reportedly filed a Rs 25 crore lawsuit against Paresh Rawal, citing breach of contract and claiming damages. The notice further stated that if the actor fails to pay the sum within seven days, the production will pursue both civil and criminal legal actions.

Shetty, who has been vocal about his passion for the iconic franchise, expressed his heartbreak, stating, “There are a few films I’m truly charged about — Welcome, Awara Pagal Deewana, and Hera Pheri. I had decided I’d only return for sequels or something very special like Kesari Veer.”

Earlier, during another promotional event in Delhi, Suniel had said, “This is a crisis. We were in the middle of planning the film. We even shot a promo. I just couldn’t make sense of it.” The news hit him so hard that even his children, Athiya and Ahaan, were the first to alert him. “They sent me the update and asked, ‘Papa, what is this?’” he recalled.

With Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal having become the irreplaceable trio since the cult success of Hera Pheri (2000) and Phir Hera Pheri (2006), fans are now left wondering what lies ahead for the third instalment.

The film, directed by Priyadarshan, was set in motion earlier this year with great expectations. Akshay had even acquired the rights from original producer Feroz Nadiadwala, further cementing his commitment to the project.

While fans hold their breath, hoping for a resolution, the sudden fallout between the beloved Babu Bhaiya and the production team has certainly cast a shadow over what was poised to be one of the most nostalgic cinematic reunions of the decade.