Akshay Kumar Sues Paresh Rawal For Rs 25 Crore For Quitting Hera Pheri 3? Here's What We Know

Akshay Kumar, through his production house, Cape of Good Films has sued Paresh Rawal for Rs 25 crore for exiting Hera Pheri 3, and allegedly sabotaging the film, as per a report in Hindustan Times. Akshay took this decision two days after Rawal confirmed his exit from Hera Pheri 3.

Hera Pheri 3 controversy

Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal, who were also part of the previous two instalments of Hera Pheri, started shooting for the third instalment, in April this year. Akshay is serving as the producer of Hera Pheri 3, after he legally bought the rights for the film from producer Feroz Nadiadwala. Priyadarshan, who helmed the original, was directing the third part.

Later, reports started doing the rounds that Paresh has walked out of the movie due to creative differences. On Sunday, taking to his X handle, the veteran actor clarified that creative differences was not the reason behind his exit.

Did Paresh Rawal quit Hera Pheri 3 for money?

In an interview with Mid-Day, Paresh revealed he opted out because he doesn't feel like a part of it. The National award-winning actor added, "I love Priyadarshan and have great respect and faith in him as a director. We have done wonderful movies together in the past and will continue to do so. There were no creative differences, nor is there a possibility of having any with him. No amount of money compares to the love and respect of my audience. Right now, I just felt it is a role that I don't want to do, that's all."

Kumar and Shetty knew about his decision, but Priyadarshan tried to change Paresh's mind. "They all know that if I decide on something, I will follow it up. So they don’t pursue further," he added.

Why Akshay Kumar sued Paresh Rawal?

HT quoted sources saying that Rawal was being paid more than thrice his usual fee for the film.

A source who is familiar with the legal proceedings told HT, "Paresh displayed a blatant disregard for professional integrity or commercial morality. If he wanted to not do the film, he should have said so before signing the legal contract, accepting the signing amount and making the producer spend so much money on the shoot".

“Paresh himself announced doing the film on his X handle in January, he participated in all pre production planning, shot for a day (including the teaser promo) willingly. When he never expressed dissatisfaction at any point, for him to now suddenly play with the emotions of the fans of this franchise and inflict losses on the producer is clearly in bad faith,” adds the source.

What did Priyadarshan say?

Priyadarshan told the same portal that Akshay Kumar has the right to take the legal route as he has invested his money in the film.

"I don't know why this happened because Paresh didn't inform us. Before starting the film, Akshay asked me to check with both Paresh and Suniel and I did and both were onboard," said the director.

Paresh Rawal on Akshay Kumar suing him

Paresh Rawal said he is unaware of it yet.