Priyadarshan Reveals Why He Said NO to ‘Bhagam Bhag 2’, Says THIS About ‘Hera Pheri 3’

Bollywood aficionados holding out hope for the third instalment of the iconic comedy franchise Hera Pheri have received a disheartening update from none other than the original film's director, Priyadarshan. In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, the acclaimed filmmaker cast a long shadow over Hera Pheri 3, stating unequivocally that he doesn't believe the film "will ever get made". Who Owns ‘Hera Pheri 3’? Akshay Kumar’s Production House Issues Public Notice Amid Row.

Priyadarshan on the 'Complications' of Hera Pheri 3

Priyadarshan, who masterminded the 2000 cult classic Hera Pheri starring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal, revealed that he is no longer associated with the third part of the franchise. He attributed his scepticism about the film's future to a labyrinth of issues. "That has a lot of other complications, too many complications. I'd need chapters and chapters to talk about it," he candidly told Hindustan Times.

The complications extend to "legal issues and personal conflicts" surrounding the project. This includes a legal dispute over the franchise's rights between producer Firoz Nadiadwala and Seven Arts International, which reportedly remained unresolved as of March 2026. The project has seen its share of turbulence, including Paresh Rawal's brief exit and his subsequent return. Priyadarshan himself had previously stepped away from the director's chair, citing repeated insults from producer Firoz Nadiadwala. Despite Nadiadwala's assurances that the project is still on track, albeit without Priyadarshan, the director's recent comments suggest a bleak outlook. Akshay Kumar too had previously voiced uncertainty.

Why ‘Bhagam Bhag 2’ Was Also Shelved by the Director

Priyadarshan's cautious approach to sequels isn't limited to Hera Pheri 3. He also revealed in the Hindustan Times interview that he turned down Akshay Kumar's offer to direct a sequel to their 2006 comedy hit, Bhagam Bhag. The original film featured Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Govinda in lead roles.

Explaining his stance, Priyadarshan emphasised his philosophy that a sequel must surpass its predecessor. "That is why I never do sequels because the reason that you are doing part 2, it should be better than part one, like with the Terminator franchise where part 2 was a better film than part 1," he elaborated. He believes that unless there is "a much better story," attempting a sequel risks diminishing the value of the original work, often reducing it to merely "selling the value of the first film" rather than creating a genuine cinematic experience.

A Director's Discretion: Prioritising Story Over Franchise

Priyadarshan's recent remarks highlight a seasoned filmmaker's dedication to narrative quality over commercial pressures to extend successful franchises. His 2026 film Bhooth Bangla found success, while his latest, Haiwaan, a Hindi-language neo-noir crime thriller starring Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan, released on September 11, 2026, did not fare well at the box office, ending up as a massive box-office disaster. Fans, however, can look forward to his ninth collaboration with Akshay Kumar, a comedy thriller backed by Tips, which is reportedly titled 'Wicked Sunny' and set to commence filming by December 2026. This new project suggests Priyadarshan's continued creative output, albeit not necessarily within the confines of his past hits. Is Mohanlal in ‘Haiwaan’? Know How His Cameo Bridges Saif Ali Khan’s Thriller to ‘Oppam’ (SPOILER ALERT).

Priyadarshan's latest statements come as a significant update for fans who have eagerly awaited the return of the Hera Pheri trio. His decision to distance himself from existing sequels, driven by a commitment to compelling storytelling, offers a rare glimpse into the discerning choices made by one of Bollywood's celebrated directors. While the future of Hera Pheri 3 remains uncertain, the clarity from Priyadarshan ensures that audiences understand the complex factors at play behind the scenes of their beloved franchises. The dream of Hera Pheri 3 may indeed remain just that a dream.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 14, 2026 01:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).