Actor Akshay Kumar has reportedly filed a legal claim of INR 25 crore ($3Mn) against co-star Paresh Rawal for abruptly withdrawing from the upcoming film Hera Pheri 3, citing breach of contract and unprofessional conduct.
According to Indian media reports, Kumar’s production house, Cape of Good Films, served the legal notice after Rawal allegedly exited the project despite signing a formal agreement and participating in initial shooting.
The claim includes compensation for financial losses incurred by the production.
“Paresh displayed a blatant disregard for professional integrity or commercial morality,” said a source quoted in the report.
Earlier, Rawal had announced his decision to step away from the production on his X (formerly Twitter) page, noting that his departure was not due to creative differences.
I wish to put it on record that my decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 was not due to creative differences. I REITERATE THAT THERE ARE NO CREATIVE DISAGREEMENT WITH THE FILM MAKER . I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan the film director.
— Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) May 18, 2025
Cape of Good Films is said to have acquired the rights to Hera Pheri 3 from multiple stakeholders and cleared outstanding debts to revive the popular franchise, which last featured its original trio—Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Suniel Shetty—nearly two decades ago.
The source indicated that a substantial investment had already been made, including the production of a promotional video involving the full cast.
The move to send a legal notice, the source explained, was not the preferred course of action.
“As much as they didn’t want to take the legal route, Paresh’s sudden exit has forced their hand. He not only signed a contract but was paid above market rate and was actively involved in all creative meetings.”
Another source revealed that Rawal's exit came without a substantial explanation, only stating that the actor “didn’t feel like” continuing with the project.
The development has reportedly left the cast and crew disappointed and sparked concerns among fans of the cult comedy series.
The legal dispute underscores a growing trend in Bollywood towards formalising actor-producer relationships, echoing practices common in Hollywood.
“It’s high time Bollywood actors realise that producers here too will no longer give in to the whims of an actor walking in and out of a film as he pleases,” said a source involved in the project.
Neither Paresh Rawal nor Akshay Kumar has issued a public statement in response to the reported legal notice.
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