- Priyadarshan's Hera Pheri 3 has been caught in a wave of uncertainty ever since its announcement
- Amid this situation, writer Rohan Shankar has now revealed that he is no longer associated with the project
- "I was in talks, and it was supposed to happen, but it didn't because of legal issues," he said
Fans have been eagerly waiting for Hera Pheri 3, hoping to see the iconic trio return to the big screen. Amid this anticipation and the ongoing uncertainty around the film, writer Rohan Shankar has now opened up about the situation and shared insights into what is happening behind the scenes.
In an exclusive conversation with News18 Showsha, Shankar said, “I was in talks, and it was supposed to happen, but it didn't because of legal issues. Hopefully, if Hera Pheri 3 happens and if Priyadarshan sir is there, maybe I will be too."
When asked about Priyadarshan, Shankar said, "He is doing a lot of work, we have just shot Bhoot Bangla and Haiwan, and now he has to do another film. After that, he has to do a film with Mohanlal sir, which is his 100th film... He doesn't stop. Priyan sir works a lot. Priyan sir and Akshay sir are workaholics."
Shankar further added, "He has to do one film, then write another, then shoot it, so he keeps on going. Now, in that structure, when will Hera Pheri happen, and when will all of this be solved? If it's solved quickly, then Priyan sir will do it. I don't know what is happening there, but Priyan sir won't stop amid all of this. He might make five films before Hera Pheri even starts," he added.
Priyadarshan Breaks Silence On Hera Pheri 3 Delay
In a conversation with E Times, Priyadarshan admitted that the situation is complicated. He said, “Certain people said they have the rights to the film, while others claimed rights to the music.”
Priyadarshan revealed that Bhushan Kumar has publicly claimed ownership of Hera Pheri 3's music rights. He shared that resolving these issues is crucial before proceeding with the film. When asked whether the movie will go into production this year, the filmmaker said, “Definitely not this year.”
According to Bar and Bench, production house Seven Arts International claimed that producer Firoz Nadiadwala's rights were limited to making the Hindi adaptation of the Malayalam original Ramji Rao Speaking, which became the 2000 film Hera Pheri. The production house alleges that Nadiadwala breached the contract by making Phir Hera Pheri and transferring franchise rights to Akshay Kumar's Cape of Good Films.
Priyadarshan also reacted to Paresh Rawal's controversial exit and re-entry in Hera Pheri 3. The senior actor had distanced himself from the project, sparking rumours that Akshay Kumar had filed a case against him seeking Rs 25 crore in damages. The issue was eventually resolved, and Akshay dropped the case.
Addressing his equation with Paresh, Priyadarshan said there is no animosity between them. "I've seen people fall out and then work together again. I don't think there are permanent enemies in politics or cinema," he added.
The Hera Pheri franchise began in 2000 and featured Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal in lead roles. It was followed by a sequel, Phir Hera Pheri, in 2006. Directed by Priyadarshan, the third instalment is currently in the works, with the OG trio set to reprise their roles.
ALSO READ: Priyadarshan Breaks Silence On Hera Pheri 3 Delay: "Definitely Not Happening This Year"
