Digital News Guru Entertainment Desk:
Paresh Rawal confirms Hera Pheri 3 will begin shooting in February 2026
Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has confirmed that Hera Pheri 3 — the long-awaited next installment of the cult comedy franchise — will begin filming in February-March 2026.
This confirmation comes after a period of uncertainty: earlier this year, Rawal had announced his exit from the project, citing dissatisfaction with certain terms and aspects of his role.
However, as of now, those issues have been resolved. Rawal has rejoined the cast as Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, working again with director Priyadarshan, and his fellow actors Akshay Kumar (Raju) and Suniel Shetty (Shyam).
Background: What Caused the Delay & the Fallout
To understand the significance of this confirmation, it helps to recap what led up to this moment.
- Rawal’s Exit (May 2025): Rawal declared that he was withdrawing from the project, pointing to incomplete agreements about his role, remuneration, and contract terms.
- Legal Notification: In the wake of Rawal’s exit, Akshay Kumar’s production house reportedly initiated legal action, claiming breach of contract.
- Public Dispute & Media Buzz: There was considerable media speculation about whether the exit stemmed from creative differences, financial disagreement, or other conflicts. Some fans speculated it was publicity, though both Rawal and Kumar denied that claim.
Resolution and Re-Entry
Paresh Rawal, in interviews, has emphasized that despite the earlier friction, his relationship with director Priyadarshan remains intact. He used expressions like “Aise rishta kharab nahin hota” (Such a relationship doesn’t break easily) and “Ghaav bhar gaya hai” (The wound has healed) to suggest both sides have moved past the conflict.
Rawal also clarified that any future discussions of a Baburao spin-off would need the presence of characters Raju and Shyam — i.e. Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty — to justify the continuity and essence of what made Hera Pheri popular. He emphasized that a film is collaborative, and standalone spin-offs can risk losing the chemistry that fans associate with the original trio.
What This Means for Fans & Expectations
With this new confirmation, several key outcomes and expectations emerge:
- Filming Schedule Set
With February-March 2026 earmarked for the shoot, the makers are likely now in full pre-production mode: finalizing the script, shooting locations, cast support, and logistics. - Original Cast Reprised
One of the biggest draws of Hera Pheri 3 remains the reunion of the original trio: Baburao (Paresh Rawal), Raju (Akshay Kumar), and Shyam (Suniel Shetty). Their chemistry was central to the success of the earlier films, and fans will be watching closely to see if that magic gets recaptured. - Higher Stakes on Script & Direction
Given the controversy and delay, expectations are very high. The audience will likely judge Hera Pheri 3 not just on humor, but also on whether it respects what made the earlier films beloved: the timing, dialogue, character interplay, and situational comedy. Any misstep — in tone, characterization, or narrative — could lead to disappointment. - No Spin-Off (At Least For Now)
Rawal’s comments suggest that while fans might be interested in a Baburao spin-off, there is no firm plan for that yet — and if it were to happen, it would still need the participation of Shyam and Raju. - Watchful Eye on Production House & Official Announcements
With prior legal actions and controversy, transparency and official communication will matter. Any further delays, cast changes, or ambiguity will attract attention, potentially affecting audience trust and box‐office expectations.
Timeline & What to Look Out For
Here’s a short timeline based on what we know and what might happen next:
| Phase | Expected Activity |
| Now – Early 2026 | Finalizing script, cast & crew confirmations, pre-production (locations, sets) |
| Feb-Mar 2026 | Shooting begins |
| Mid-2026 | Post-production, editing, possibly music, promotions |
| Late 2026 / early 2027 | Possible release window, depending on production pace and distribution |
Fans should keep an eye out for:
- Official trailer or first look once shooting wraps a good portion.
- Confirmation of song compositions, since music is often a big part of Hera Pheri’s charm.
- News about release date, as it could shift depending on how smoothly production proceeds.
- Interviews with other cast members (Akshay, Suniel) to see if they share more details about what’s new in this third film.
Final Thoughts
Hera Pheri is more than just a comedy franchise — it’s a piece of Bollywood nostalgia. The original Hera Pheri (2000) and Phir Hera Pheri (2006) are remembered for their relatable humor, memorable characters, and dialogues that are quoted to this day. Bringing them back together, especially with Rawal’s Baburao, requires balancing old-school charm with something fresh enough to satisfy today’s audience.
Paresh Rawal’s re-entry, the cleared misunderstandings, and a set filming schedule are all positive signals. If everything holds up, Hera Pheri 3 could be one of Bollywood’s major comedy releases of 2026. But with the weight of expectation and the shadow of past delays, the filmmakers have a steep hill to climb.
You May Also Read: Aamir Khan Slams Corporate Bookings: Says They’re ‘Short-Term, Pointless’
