Paresh Rawal Confirms Hera Pheri 3 Shoot, Denies Spin-off

Mumbai, September 16: Paresh Rawal has finally confirmed what fans of Bollywood comedies have been waiting to hear for years, ‘Hera Pheri 3’ is set to go on the floors in February or March of next year. It’s not the first time rumours have promised the film’s revival, but this time, Rawal’s certainty makes it feel real.

A Franchise That Refuses To Die

The Hera Pheri films are stitched into the fabric of Hindi pop culture. The first one, directed by Priyadarshan in 2000, gave us Baburao, Raju and Shyam characters who became shorthand for chaos and wit. By the time Phir Hera Pheri landed in 2006, the franchise was already cult property. But what followed were nearly twenty years of nothing but false starts, creative tussles and endless speculation about a third part.

Rawal’s statement, then, carries more weight than the average movie announcement. If all goes as planned, the film will reunite Rawal with Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty, though who takes the director’s chair remains to be seen. For the fans, the specifics hardly matter right now. Just knowing that cameras are finally about to roll is enough.

Mending Old Wounds

For months, gossip columns thrived on the supposed fallout between Rawal and Priyadarshan. Some even claimed it could derail the entire film. Rawal, however, has now set the record straight. Speaking to Mid-day, he admitted that yes, there were disagreements, but the bond hasn’t just survived — it’s grown stronger. In his words, “the wound has healed.”

It’s a very Bollywood kind of reconciliation. Tiffs are public, reconciliations are quieter. And for those who still hoped Priyadarshan might return to the director’s seat, this softening of tone offers a glimmer of possibility.

The Baburao Rumour

Not long ago, the internet was buzzing with chatter about a standalone Baburao film. Given the way Rawal’s character dominates every conversation about Hera Pheri, the idea didn’t sound far-fetched. But the actor himself has poured cold water on it. Speaking to The Economic Times, he made it clear there’s no Baburao spin-off in the works.

That doesn’t mean it won’t happen someday. In Bollywood, no idea ever really dies, especially when it revolves around a character as beloved as Baburao. For now though, all energy is being channelled into Hera Pheri 3.

A Box Office Collision

Rawal has another project lined up, a film titled ‘Ajey The Untold Story of a Yogi’. Its release window puts it directly against Akshay Kumar’s Jolly LLB 3. Asked about the clash, Rawal didn’t take the bait. “Sab humare hi log hain,” he said lightly, sidestepping any narrative of rivalry.

His response was part humour, part pragmatism. But trade circles know such clashes matter. Two big titles competing for the same weekend often split audiences, no matter how diplomatic the stars sound.

More Than Just A Sequel

Why does all this matter? Because Bollywood right now is trying to rediscover its touch. Nostalgia-driven sequels have proven to be both lifesavers and disasters. Gadar 2 struck gold, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 revived a franchise, while several other sequels fell flat. Hera Pheri 3 sits in that dangerous sweet spot the demand is massive, the risk equally so.

Rawal’s remarks, beyond just scheduling, add a rare clarity to the chaos. The project is moving, his relationship with Priyadarshan is intact, no Baburao spin-off is secretly brewing, and the inevitable clash with Akshay Kumar’s courtroom drama isn’t being treated as war.

The Long Road Ahead

If shooting begins in early 2026, audiences can realistically expect a release by the end of that year or early 2027. That’s still a long wait, and keeping momentum alive will be its own challenge. Comedy as a genre has shifted. Internet humour, meme culture, OTT content all have reshaped what people laugh at. Will Baburao still land the same way in 2027? Or will the jokes feel dated?

These are the questions hanging over the film. But for now, the news is enough Baburao, Raju and Shyam are on their way back. And for many who grew up with them, that alone feels like a small victory.

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Ayesha Khan

Entertainment Correspondent – Ayesha@hindustanherald.in – Web

Covers films, television, streaming, and celebrity culture with a focus on storytelling trends.

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