Hera Pheri 3

1. Introduction: The Return of an Iconic Franchise

The Hera Pheri franchise is one of the most beloved in Bollywood, blending slapstick comedy, memorable dialogues, and endearing characters. After nearly two decades of anticipation, Hera Pheri 3 is officially happening, bringing back the legendary trio: Akshay Kumar (Raju)Suniel Shetty (Shyam), and Paresh Rawal (Baburao Ganpatrao Apte). Fans of the franchise have long waited for the continuation of their hilarious misadventures, and now the third installment promises both nostalgia and novelty.

2. Background: The Legacy of Hera Pheri

2.1 Hera Pheri (2000)

 

The Hera Pheri franchise is one of the most beloved in Bollywood, blending slapstick comedy, memorable dialogues, and endearing characters. After nearly two decades of anticipation, Hera Pheri 3 is officially happening, bringing back the legendary trio: Akshay Kumar (Raju), Suniel Shetty (Shyam), and Paresh Rawal (Baburao Ganpatrao Apte). Fans of the franchise have long waited for the continuation of their hilarious misadventures, and now the third installment promises both nostalgia and novelty.

Directed by Priyadarshan, the original Hera Pheri became a cult classic. It followed three financially struggling individuals who stumble into a kidnapping ransom call that turns their lives upside down. The film’s comedy, character dynamics, and iconic dialogues like “Utha le re baba” made it a generational hit.

2.2 Phir Hera Pheri (2006)

The sequel, directed by the late Neeraj Vora, saw the trio trying to get rich through a scam that went wildly wrong. While more commercial than the original, it retained the humor and energy that fans loved, becoming a massive box office success.

Hera Pheri 3

3. Hera Pheri 3 Announcement and Confirmation

After years of delays, rumors, and speculations, Hera Pheri 3 was confirmed in early 2023. A promotional video featuring the trio was shot in Mumbai, ending speculation about the cast. Producer Firoz Nadiadwala and director Priyadarshan officially announced that the third installment was in development and would retain the core cast.

In 2025, Suniel Shetty further confirmed that the team was working on the final script and planning a teaser release aligned with the IPL 2025 finale. The news sparked renewed interest and excitement among fans.

4. Direction and Script

Initially, there was confusion over who would direct the film. Farhad Samji was considered, but fans and even the actors themselves expressed concern about the film’s direction. Eventually, the original Hera Pheri director Priyadarshan returned, much to everyone’s relief.

The story is said to follow the events of Phir Hera Pheri and will feature modern twists involving cryptocurrency scams, international settings, and underworld characters, adding global appeal while retaining the original humor.

The screenplay is based on Neeraj Vora’s original notes and is being refined by writer Rohan Shankar, aiming to balance legacy humor with contemporary themes.

5. Cast and Characters

5.1 Akshay Kumar as Raju

The hustler with big dreams, Raju is the heart of the chaos in the franchise. Akshay’s return to the role after briefly distancing himself due to script concerns was a major win for fans.

5.2 Suniel Shetty as Shyam

The straight-faced and often frustrated character who balances Raju’s antics with grounded reactions. Shetty remains enthusiastic about the film and has publicly supported its development.

5.3 Paresh Rawal as Baburao

The breakout character of the series, Baburao’s hilarious quirks and dialogues made him iconic. Rawal initially exited the project due to scheduling issues and lack of clarity, but after discussions—and returning the signing amount with interest—he officially rejoined the cast in June 2025.

6. Filming and Production Updates

Filming began quietly in early 2023 in Mumbai, where the promotional teaser was also shot. The team has planned further shoots in Hyderabad, Dubai, and possibly other international locations to match the global scam theme of the story.

As of mid-2025, the team is gearing up for full-scale production by the end of the year. The teaser is expected to drop soon, possibly ahead of or during the IPL 2025 final.

7. Plot Expectations and Themes

While the complete plot is under wraps, known elements include:

  • A cryptocurrency scam where the trio falls for a fake investment scheme.

  • An international mafia subplot that brings them to Dubai or the Middle East.

  • Plenty of misunderstandings, disguises, and money-chasing chaos that made the first two films so enjoyable.

Despite new-age themes, the movie is said to retain the classic comic timing, dialogue humor, and character-driven storytelling.

8. Legal Disputes and Controversies

8.1 Paresh Rawal Lawsuit

In May 2025, Akshay Kumar’s production company filed a ₹25 crore lawsuit against Paresh Rawal for backing out of the project after accepting an advance. Rawal returned the ₹11 lakh with 15% interest and settled the matter. He clarified that there were no creative disputes and that he was now back on board.

8.2 Rights Dispute with T-Series and Eros

In 2023, T-Series and Eros International claimed rights to the Hera Pheri franchise’s title, music, and digital distribution. The producers reportedly owed ₹60 crore. The dispute has since been resolved, clearing the way for full-scale production and marketing.

9. Fan Reactions and Expectations

The anticipation for Hera Pheri 3 is immense. Fans, who grew up watching the original films, flooded social media with memes, theories, and nostalgic tributes as soon as the new promo was released. However, there’s also skepticism—fans hope the new film doesn’t fall into the trap of over-commercialization or lazy writing.

Actors have repeatedly assured fans that the film will stay true to its roots. Paresh Rawal even urged fans not to jump to conclusions, saying, “Nothing happened. All is resolved.”

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10. Release Date and Marketing Plans

Though no official release date is set, Hera Pheri 3 is expected to hit theatres in mid-to-late 2026. Marketing will likely begin in late 2025, with:

  • Teaser: Expected around IPL 2025 finale.

  • Trailer: Likely early 2026.

  • Promotional tours, interviews, and song releases will build up the hype.

11. Challenges Ahead

    • High Expectations: The first two films are iconic. Living up to them is no small task.

    • Balancing Nostalgia with Innovation: The story must honor the old formula while adapting to new tastes.

    • Avoiding Forced Humor: The risk with sequels is that they often rely too heavily on recycled jokes. Fans are hoping for original, well-written comedy.

12. Conclusion: A Comedy Comeback Worth Waiting For

Hera Pheri 3 is more than just a sequel—it’s a cultural event. The return of Raju, Shyam, and Baburao under the vision of Priyadarshan, with modern comedic challenges and global stakes, offers the promise of both laughter and legacy.

If executed well, it could rekindle the magic of classic Bollywood comedy for a new generation, while giving long-time fans the finale—or new beginning—they’ve been waiting nearly 20 years for.

13.Frequently asked questions.

❓ 1. Is Hera Pheri 3 officially happening?

Yes. The film has been confirmed, and the iconic trio—Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal—are returning.

❓ 2. What is the release date of Hera Pheri 3?

There’s no official release date yet, but filming is expected to begin by December 2025, with a release likely in late 2026 or early 2027.

❓ 3. Who is in the cast?

 

  • Akshay Kumar as Raju

  • Suniel Shetty as Shyam

  • Paresh Rawal as Baburao (Babu Bhaiya)

Some rumors mention Sanjay Dutt and Kartik Aaryan, but their roles are not confirmed.

❓ 4. Who is directing the film?

Priyadarshan, director of the first film, is reportedly returning to direct Hera Pheri 3.

❓ 5. What is the story of Hera Pheri 3?

While the exact plot is under wraps, it is expected to involve:

  • A global scam

  • Settings in Dubai, Los Angeles, and India

  • A new set of comic misadventures involving the trio

❓ 6. Why did Paresh Rawal leave and then return?

Paresh Rawal had temporarily exited due to a contract dispute and returned his advance payment. He later resolved issues with the producers and officially rejoined in June 2025.

❓ 7. Is Kartik Aaryan still in the film?

As of now, no. He was reportedly considered during a time when Akshay Kumar wasn’t confirmed. Now that the original trio is back, Kartik’s role is unclear or likely dropped.

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