The highly anticipated "Hera Pheri 3" has been making headlines recently, but not for the reasons fans were hoping for. Instead of celebrating the reunion of the iconic trio – Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Suniel Shetty – the film is currently embroiled in a controversy surrounding Paresh Rawal's exit. What exactly transpired between Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal, leading to this unfortunate situation?

The trouble began when Paresh Rawal announced his departure from "Hera Pheri 3" on May 18th, 2025, leaving fans and the film fraternity in shock. While initial reports suggested creative differences with director Priyadarshan as the reason for his exit, Rawal himself refuted these claims on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter). He clarified that his decision was not due to any creative disagreements with the director, stating that he holds immense love, respect, and faith in Priyadarshan.

However, Rawal's statement hinted at a possible rift with Akshay Kumar, who had acquired the rights to the film from producer Feroz Nadiadwala. This speculation gained traction when reports surfaced that Akshay Kumar's production house, Cape of Good Films, had filed a lawsuit against Paresh Rawal, seeking ₹25 crore in damages.

According to sources, Akshay Kumar's team claimed that Rawal had accepted a signing amount of ₹11 lakhs and committed to the film, even shooting a promotional segment. His sudden exit reportedly disrupted the production timeline and caused financial losses. Akshay's legal representatives warned Rawal of "severe legal consequences," citing expenses incurred towards the cast, crew, logistics, and equipment.

Paresh Rawal responded to the legal action through his lawyer, Ameet Naik, asserting that his termination and exit were rightful. He claimed that Akshay Kumar failed to provide a complete screenplay and a long-form agreement, which were crucial for finalizing his commitment. Rawal's legal team also stated that the signing amount had been returned with 15% interest before any legal correspondence from Akshay's team.

Adding another layer to the story, reports suggest that Rawal's unease stemmed from the lack of a finalized script and a clear understanding of his character's role in the film. Despite participating in the promotional shoot, he was allegedly not provided with clarity on his role or screen time. Sources claim that "Hera Pheri 3" was far from having a finalized script at the time of the shoot, leading to Rawal's apprehension.

Amidst this legal drama, Akshay Kumar has publicly defended Paresh Rawal, emphasizing their long-standing friendship and professional respect. At a "Housefull 5" trailer launch, Akshay addressed the issue, stating that using derogatory words against his co-star was unacceptable. He acknowledged the seriousness of the legal matter, stating that it would be handled by the courts.

The future of "Hera Pheri 3" remains uncertain. While fans are disappointed by the potential loss of the iconic trio, the legal battle between Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal adds a layer of complexity to the situation. Whether the two actors can resolve their differences and reunite for the film remains to be seen.