Hera Pheri has once again raised controversy, this time as actor Paresh Rawal (who played Baburao) has left the project. Since then, everything has become a legal issue, making people ask about how much control Rawal has, clarity within the contracts and the irregular relationship between him and Akshay Kumar.
A poster shoot won’t give us the needed clarity without a script.
Those close to the project explain that Rawal was uncomfortable because he had no script to follow or clear direction for his character. Even though Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Rawal caused a stir with their freshly released promotional shots, Akshay said he hadn’t learned what his role would be or how long it would last.
Despite announcing that production was soon to begin, some sources say there was no completed screenplay for Hera Pheri 3, a fact that worried Rawal.
Is the Problem due to Trust Scandal or Missing Contract?
Rawal was served a legal notice from Cape of Good Films, seeking compensation of Rs 25 crore. The two claim that Rawal was paid a signing fee of Rs 11 lakh, signed on to the film and then changed his mind, breaking the film’s schedule.
Still, according to Rawal’s legal experts, there was never a signed deal, nor any narration or finished script made. They claim the actor paid back the signing amount along with 15% interest, all before Cape of Good Films sent any legal document. They say the suit is ‘unfounded’ and that Rawal was justified in leaving a project that was not legally required.
A Fight Over Franchise Rights Adds To The Controversy
The situation gets more complex since the Hera Pheri brand’s rights are uncertain. People believe that Producer Firoz Nadiadwala bought the intellectual property rights to the franchise which he also launched in 2000. His team warned Akshay Kumar and other group members not to talk about a new instalment until they had permission from the court.
It could be that Rawal hesitated because of the uncertainty over IP law during the project’s development.
Past Friction? The 2-Factor of the Organization for Reform of the Office of Main Occupant
While their rift was not connected, a number of people believe the first signs of a disagreement between Rawal and Kumar appeared some time earlier. The 2014 OMG 2 film which followed 2012’s OMG: Oh My God!, did not feature Anupam Kher. Supporting filmmaker Akshay Kumar played God’s messenger in an important role and guided the film’s production. Rawal had no part in the sequel, perhaps a sign that the films took creative routes apart from each other.
Artist: ‘I Don’t Want to Make the Same Blunders as Before’
Rawal previously told reporters that the humour in Phir Hera Pheri (2006) moved far from the straightforward style seen in the first movie. According to sources, his hesitancy to see history repeat itself is the main cause he insisted on a suitable script and clarity before giving the thumbs up for Hera Pheri 3.
Lacking confidence due to the property’s rather messy ownership, Rawal chose to turn down the job.
Industry Finds: One Essential Component
Suniel Shetty, who is Shyam in the movies, said he was stunned by Rawal’s choice. Priyadarshan said that the special chemistry between the trio cannot be found in any other combination. Since one of the main characters has moved on, the story of Hera Pheri 3 has yet to be decided.
How Suniel Shetty and Priyadarshan see their success
Suniel Shetty has also revealed that he and Mamta thought Paresh Rawal was on the team as well. About promoting his movie Kesari Veer, the actor said to PTI, “I am truly upset, but things will eventually get better.” On the other hand, I feel clueless because I discovered (information about) it from media sources. I hope that our problems can be fixed. Even if the movie never gets made, I wouldn’t want any tension between Paresh and Akshay.
Priyadarshan, who is taking over the Hera Pheri franchise again, told HT he did not know why Paresh Rawal withdrew. I don’t have an explanation because Paresh didn’t tell us what happened. I asked Paresh and Suniel beforehand and they were both happy to join, as Akshay explained, because his own money is on the line. Till now, he hasn’t spoken to me.”
The filmmaker said during a Mid-Day interview, “When Akshay was disappointed, he looked at me with tears and asked, ‘Priyan, Paresh is making us suffer this much?'”
Now will a third movie be made?
The film Hera Pheri was a surprise hit once it was released in 2000. People regard Priyadarshan’s film as a timeless comedy from Hindi cinema. The second film in the Hera Pheri series, Phir Hera Pheri, debuted in 2006 and did very well also. Neeraj Vora directed this film. Several times during development, Hera Pheri 3 entered a state of stagnation. Filming for the project got underway in 2016, but it was abandoned after Neeraj Vora died. Watching this movie happen, starring the original cast, felt like a big achievement.
Even if Suniel Shetty believes the movie will happen, it likely won’t be possible for Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar to continue without the original cast. Paresh Rawal is instrumental in shaping things within the Congress. His character, Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, has become famous. At present, the only solution appears to be getting the two parties to negotiate.
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