Hera Pheri 3 Faces Uncertainty After Priyadarshan’s Exit

Producer Firoz Nadiadwala says the sequel remains on track, but Priyadarshan has raised doubts about whether the film will reach cinemas.

By PehlePakistan Entertainment Desk
Published: June 30, 2026

Hera Pheri 3 has not officially been cancelled. However, the highly anticipated Bollywood comedy has entered another uncertain phase after filmmaker Priyadarshan confirmed that he is no longer associated with the project.

Producer Firoz A. Nadiadwala has offered a more optimistic update, saying the film is still on track and moving in the right direction. The contrasting statements have left fans wondering whether the original comedy trio will return to the big screen. Akshay Kumar recently appeared in another Priyadarshan-directed project; readers can also check the latest

Why did Priyadarshan leave Hera Pheri 3?

Nadiadwala confirmed in a recent interview that Priyadarshan would not direct Hera Pheri 3. He did not announce a replacement director but maintained that development of the sequel was continuing.

Priyadarshan subsequently confirmed his departure and expressed serious doubts about the film’s future. According to the filmmaker, unresolved legal and rights-related matters remain significant obstacles for the project.

His reaction presents a noticeably different picture from the producer’s position. While Nadiadwala says the film is progressing, Priyadarshan believes the current version may never reach cinemas. For more Bollywood updates, read what is currently known about Is Ranveer Singh in Shah Rukh Khan’s King?

Producer says Hera Pheri 3 remains on track

Despite Priyadarshan’s exit, Nadiadwala has not declared the project cancelled. The producer said that matters were moving in the right direction, suggesting that he still intends to take the sequel forward with a different director.

However, the production team has not announced a filming schedule, replacement director or official release date. Until those details are confirmed, the sequel’s production status remains uncertain.

Nadiadwala had also recently said that Hera Pheri 3 would happen “very soon,” although he did not provide a specific timeline.

Legal disputes remain a major challenge

The film has reportedly been affected by disputes involving adaptation, franchise and music rights.

A copyright case brought by Seven Arts International previously reached the Madras High Court. The company claimed that the rights granted for the Hindi adaptation of the Malayalam film Ramji Rao Speaking did not permit additional sequels.

Priyadarshan has also referred to a separate question involving the music rights for Hera Pheri 3. These reported disputes will likely need to be resolved before full production can begin.

No court has permanently prohibited the film’s release. Nevertheless, the ongoing rights questions add another layer of uncertainty to an already delayed project.

Will Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal return?

Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal are expected to reprise their popular roles as Raju, Shyam and Baburao. Their performances helped turn the first two films into enduring favourites among Bollywood audiences.

The original Hera Pheri, directed by Priyadarshan, was released in 2000. The second instalment, Phir Hera Pheri, was directed by Neeraj Vora and arrived in 2006.

Although the original trio has repeatedly been associated with the third film, a complete cast and production announcement has not yet been issued following Priyadarshan’s departure.

Is Hera Pheri 3 cancelled?

At present, the answer is no. The producers have not officially cancelled Hera Pheri 3.

The more accurate position is that the film remains in development but faces considerable uncertainty. Priyadarshan has exited, legal matters reportedly remain unresolved and no new director or production date has been announced.

Fans will therefore have to wait for a formal statement from the producers or cast before the future of Hera Pheri 3 becomes clear.

Sources

• Firoz Nadiadwala’s latest update — Moneycontrol

• Priyadarshan confirms his exit — NDTV

• Hera Pheri copyright case — Bar & Bench