Akshay Kumar's legal team accuses Paresh Rawal of taking signing amount of 11 lakhs & dropping out suddenly

The Hera Pheri franchise, long regarded as a staple of Hindi comedy cinema, has run into serious turbulence. Paresh Rawal’s abrupt decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 has resulted in a legal notice issued against him by the film’s production house, Cape of Good Films LLP, which is demanding Rs 25 crore in damages.

The legal action is being spearheaded by Parinam Law Associates, the firm representing Akshay Kumar’s production house. In a formal statement, the legal team broke its silence and revealed the timeline and contractual details that have led to the fallout.

The statement read:

"Mr Rawal had publicly acknowledged his participation in the film on 30th January 2025 via a post on his official X.com (formerly Twitter) handle. He further formalised his commitment by executing a Term Sheet dated 27th March 2025, pursuant to which he accepted a part payment of Rs 11,00,000/- towards his remuneration. Acting in complete reliance on his public endorsement and contractual commitment, Cape of Good Films incurred substantial production and promotional expenditures, including those for the teaser and initial film shoot, in which Mr Rawal actively participated."

According to the legal counsel, Rawal’s involvement was not limited to verbal promises or surface-level engagement. The production house claims he actively took part in the teaser shoot and collaborated creatively with key members of the cast.

"The teaser shoot commenced on 3rd April 2025, and over 3 minutes of footage was shot with Mr Rawal. He also engaged in creative discussions and planning with fellow cast members, including Mr Akshay Kumar and Mr Suniel Shetty. At no point during this period were any concerns raised by Mr Rawal regarding creative issues.

"The legal team expressed that the actor’s withdrawal came only after significant financial and scheduling commitments had been undertaken.

Will Hera Pheri 3 even happen now?

"It is only after these significant investments and scheduling commitments were made that Mr Rawal abruptly attempted to exit the project, citing vague and belated creative differences. Cape of Good Films firmly believes that this justification is an afterthought, contrived to inflict maximum disruption on a beloved film franchise and undermine the goodwill it commands. The sudden and unjustified withdrawal has caused severe financial loss, disrupted schedules, and jeopardised the momentum of a high-value production. In view of this, Cape of Good Films has demanded damages to the tune of Rs 25 crores from Mr Rawal. If the demand is not complied with within seven days, the company will be constrained to pursue appropriate legal remedies, including civil and criminal action.

"The statement concluded with a direct reference to the potential fallout for other stakeholders:

"The production house has the right to seek injunctive relief and hold Mr Rawal personally liable for any harm caused to co-actors, the director, and third parties involved in the project due to his abrupt and unilateral withdrawal.

"This development has reportedly left the rest of the team blindsided. Akshay Kumar, whose production house is at the heart of the legal dispute, was said to be unaware of Rawal’s intentions. Director Priyadarshan, in a separate interview, clarified that although he is not financially entangled in the project, Akshay has already made monetary investments. Suniel Shetty also expressed shock, calling the situation a crisis due to the timing of the exit—right after the shoot had begun.

Rawal’s sudden departure has not only disrupted filming but has potentially thrown the larger production schedule into disarray. The team had begun principal photography, promotional shoots, and other logistical arrangements based on the cast’s confirmed participation. The exit, therefore, does not just affect scenes or dialogues—it cuts into contractual confidence, marketing strategies, and the financial architecture of the film.

With legal proceedings now in motion, Hera Pheri 3 faces an uncertain path ahead. Whether the demand is met or escalates to a courtroom battle will likely determine the immediate future of the much-awaited film.