Paresh Rawal shocked everyone last week by quitting Hera Pheri 3, but he didn't give a clear reason why. Sources say that Rawal just "did not feel like" working on the project now, a choice that has left everyone in the franchise's fanbase extremely disappointed.
And now, as HT reports, Akshay Kumar's production company Cape of Good Films has sent a legal notice to Paresh Rawal, demanding Rs 25 crore in damages. The producers are accusing Rawal of being unprofessional by walking out on the film after signing the agreement and beginning the shoot.
Sources close to the film production also disclosed that Rawal was receiving "more than three times his regular pay" for his work in the film.
A source close to the legal issue informed the publication, "Paresh demonstrated a flagrant disregard for professional ethics and business practices. If he did not intend to finish the film, he should have indicated that prior to signing the contract, taking the advance, and making the producer shell out big money on the shoot."
The insider also said, "It's time Bollywood actors realize that, like Hollywood, producers here will not allow actors to disregard agreements and quit shoots at will."
Frequent audience of the popular Hera Pheri series, with massive social media popularity, has been left disappointed at Rawal's sudden move. The insider revealed, "Paresh himself declared his participation on X in January, was directly involved during pre-production, and even worked for a day, even the teaser promo. He never raised an eyebrow ever before. To now back out and disappoint the franchise's loyal followers, and also bring financial losses to the producer, is definitely an act of bad faith.
In spite of rumors going around regarding alleged creative differences or payment disputes, Paresh Rawal has refuted all such allegations. He resorted to his X handle to rectify, "I want to put it on record that my withdrawal from Hera Pheri 3 was not on account of any creative difference. I REPEAT THAT THERE ARE NO CREATIVE DISAGREEMENTS WITH THE FILM MAKER. I have a great love, respect, and trust in Mr. Priyadarshan the film director."
The shooting of the movie started in April with actors Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, and Akshay Kumar under the direction of Priyadarshan. Hera Pheri 3 is also being produced by Akshay Kumar, who picked up the rights from Feroz Nadiadwala.
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