The controversy surrounding Hera Pheri 3 has intensified after Akshay Kumar’s production company issued a public legal notice claiming exclusive ownership of the film’s production and commercial rights.
The development comes days after filmmaker Priyadarshan announced his exit from the project, citing an unresolved legal dispute linked to the franchise.
Production house claims full control
Akshay Kumar’s production banner, Cape of Good Films LLP, has formally declared itself the sole and exclusive rights holder of Hera Pheri 3.
According to the legal notice, the company claims an irrevocable, worldwide, perpetual, and unencumbered licence to produce, distribute, market, and monetise the film across all platforms and formats.
Reports say the notice was circulated to a wide range of industry stakeholders, including distributors, exhibitors, cinema chains, OTT platforms, television broadcasters, digital platforms, advertisers, licensors, and aggregators.
The company stated that no third party has the authority to negotiate, license, or exploit any rights related to Hera Pheri 3 without its prior written consent.
Warning to industry stakeholders
Cape of Good Films warned that any individual or organisation entering into agreements with unauthorised parties claiming rights to Hera Pheri 3 could face legal consequences. The notice urged stakeholders to exercise caution and verify rights ownership before engaging in any discussions related to the film.
This move appears aimed at preventing parallel negotiations or claims amid the ongoing dispute involving original producer Firoz Nadiadwala.
Priyadarshan’s exit adds uncertainty
The legal notice follows Priyadarshan’s decision to step away from the project, a move that further clouded the future of the long-delayed sequel. The director’s exit added to a series of disruptions that have plagued Hera Pheri 3, including cast-related uncertainties.
Earlier setbacks included the temporary departure of Paresh Rawal, who later rejoined the film after discussions with the makers.
Franchise rights reportedly purchased earlier
Earlier this year, Priyadarshan publicly stated that Akshay Kumar had purchased the rights to the entire Hera Pheri franchise from producer Firoz Nadiadwala for ₹10 crore. In an interview, the filmmaker said the acquisition covered not only Hera Pheri 3 but all future rights related to the franchise, adding that he had personally reviewed the legal documents.
Despite this claim, the dispute appears unresolved, with conflicting positions continuing to surface.
What lies ahead for Hera Pheri 3
The film is still expected to reunite Akshay Kumar with long-time co-stars Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal, a combination that remains central to the franchise’s popularity.
However, with the director’s exit and legal tensions surrounding ownership, uncertainty continues to surround the project’s production timeline and creative direction. Until the dispute is conclusively settled, the future of Hera Pheri 3 remains in limbo despite strong audience anticipation.
