After weeks of uncertainty, fans of the iconic Hera Pheri franchise can breathe easy, Paresh Rawal is officially back for the third installment. His earlier exit in May had stirred controversy, with reports citing monetary issues and creative clashes. Things reached a boiling point when Akshay Kumar, lead actor and co-producer of Hera Pheri 3, reportedly considered suing Rawal for Rs 25 crore for allegedly sabotaging the project.Now that the trio is reunited, director Priyadarshan has broken his silence on the matter. Speaking to Hindustan Times, he said, “I am living in south India. Whenever a film is signed, I will go to shoot it. I am only committed to Akshay Kumar to do this film (as a maker), I don’t know anybody else.”“Difference of opinion has been sorted”Priyadarshan revealed that he chose to stay away from the public fallout. “You won’t see a single comment of mine on the whole issue till today. I don’t believe in the politics of cinema. Suniel, Akshay and Paresh are my best friends. There was difference of opinion between them, that has been sorted. This is all I know. I don’t think anybody else is involved in it.”While the director refrained from naming names, his statement seemed to indirectly address recent claims by producer Firoz Nadiadwala, who had credited his brother Sajid Nadiadwala for brokering peace between the actors.
Trio made the call themselves, says PriyadarshanClearing the air, the veteran filmmaker emphasized that the actors themselves made the decision. “Akshay, Paresh and Suniel told me we all discussed and have decided to do the film, it has nothing to do with any other individual. Somebody is saying so and so is involved, but there’s nothing. To the best of my knowledge, the three actors decided to do the film and informed me.”So when does Hera Pheri 3 finally roll? Priyadarshan revealed that he has just wrapped up Bhooth Bangla and is starting a new film with Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar. “I think I will be doing Hera Pheri 3 next year,” he added.
