(Image source from: Navbharattimes.indiatimes.com)

Akshay Kumar has taken the step to file a lawsuit against his co-actor Paresh Rawal, seeking Rs 25 crore in damages, following Rawal's departure from Hera Pheri 3, which is claimed to have disrupted the filming process, according to a report by Hindustan Times. This action by Akshay came just two days after Paresh confirmed on X that he would not be part of the film.

On May 18, Paresh Rawal made it clear that his withdrawal from the project was neither due to financial disputes nor creative conflicts. He asserted, "I want to clarify that my choice to leave Hera Pheri 3 was not influenced by any creative disagreements. I REPEAT, THERE ARE NO CREATIVE DISPUTES WITH THE DIRECTOR. I have great admiration, respect, and trust in Mr. Priyadarshan, the director." Sources indicate that Paresh Rawal received three times his regular fee for participating in this film. Akshay, along with Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal, commenced filming under the direction of veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan in April of this year. Additionally, Akshay has taken on the role of producer for Hera Pheri 3 after acquiring the rights from Feroz Nadiadwala.

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

Previously, Paresh himself expressed his involvement in the film through a post on his X account. A source commented, "In January, Paresh announced his participation on his X account, engaged in pre-production preparations, and willingly filmed for a day, including the teaser promo. Given that he had not raised any concerns up until this point, his sudden change of heart jeopardizes the emotions of the franchise's fans and has caused financial repercussions for the producer, which is quite disingenuous."

Furthermore, the source criticized Paresh for showing a lack of respect for professional ethics and commercial principles. "If he had no intention of continuing with the film, he should have communicated that prior to signing the legal agreement, accepting the signing bonus, and leading the producer to incur significant costs on the filming," added the source, who is knowledgeable about the ongoing legal situation. "The time has come for Bollywood actors to understand that, similar to Hollywood, producers in this industry will no longer acquiesce to an actor's whims regarding their fluctuating commitment to a film," the source concluded.

Hera Pheri 3 serves as the continuation to the beloved 2000 film Hera Pheri, with the sequel having been released in 2006.