Who Owns ‘Hera Pheri 3’? Akshay Kumar’s Production House Issues Public Notice Amid Row

The contentious saga surrounding the highly anticipated comedy sequel, Hera Pheri 3, has taken a significant new turn. Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar's production banner, Cape of Good Films LLP, has formally staked its claim to the film's global rights by issuing a public notice, intensifying the already complex legal and ownership disputes plaguing the project. Priyadarshan CONFIRMS Exit From ‘Hera Pheri 3’, Says Akshay Kumar-Starrer May Never Hit the Screens.

The notice, prominently published in the July 4, 2026, edition of the trade magazine Complete Cinema, explicitly states that Cape of Good Films LLP is the "sole and exclusive holder of an irrevocable, worldwide, perpetual, and unencumbered licence to produce, distribute, market, exploit, commercialise, and otherwise deal with the cinematograph film presently titled 'Hera Pheri 3'." This sweeping claim covers all associated rights across "all modes, media, platforms, technologies, and formats, whether now known or hereafter devised."

Akshay Kumar's Banner Breaks Silence on ‘Hera Pheri 3’ Row

The public notice serves as a stern warning to the entire entertainment industry, including distributors, exhibitors, cinema chains, OTT platforms, television broadcasters, and digital platforms. It cautions all entities against entering into any agreements or dealings with any third party regarding Hera Pheri 3 rights without the express prior written authorisation of Cape of Good Films LLP. The company emphasised that any person acting contrary to this notice would do so "entirely at their own risk," reserving all legal remedies.

This assertive move by Akshay Kumar's banner comes amidst a period of heightened uncertainty for the film. Just days prior, filmmaker Priyadarshan, who directed the cult classic Hera Pheri (2000), announced his exit from the director's chair for Hera Pheri 3, citing repeated insults from producer Firoz Nadiadwala. Priyadarshan also voiced doubts about the film ever seeing the light of day due to persistent legal battles and personal conflicts.

In a 2025 interview, Priyadarshan had previously confirmed that Akshay Kumar had acquired the entire 'Hera Pheri' franchise rights for INR 10 crore from Firoz Nadiadwala. This transaction, according to Priyadarshan, covered not just Hera Pheri 3 but the entire franchise, a detail he claims to have verified through paperwork. The current public notice by Cape of Good Films LLP directly challenges any other claims of ownership.

More About ‘Hera Pheri 3’

Hera Pheri 3 is intended to be the third instalment in the much-loved comedy franchise, following Hera Pheri (2000) and Phir Hera Pheri (2006). The film has been anticipated for years, primarily due to the iconic reunion of its original lead trio: Akshay Kumar as Raju, Suniel Shetty as Shyam, and Paresh Rawal as the unforgettable Baburao Ganpatrao Apte.

The project has faced numerous setbacks and delays. Paresh Rawal had briefly stepped away from the film in May 2025 before rejoining the cast. In September 2025, Rawal had indicated that the shooting for 'Hera Pheri 3' was scheduled to commence between February and March 2026. However, Priyadarshan's recent departure and the ongoing rights dispute cast a shadow of doubt over this timeline and the film's immediate future. The initial 'Hera Pheri' was produced by AG Nadiadwala, while 'Phir Hera Pheri' was produced by Firoz A. Nadiadwala. Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar To Reunite for New Comedy Thriller After Director’s ‘Hera Pheri 3’ Exit – Report.

With this latest development, the 'Hera Pheri 3' saga continues to be one of Bollywood's most talked-about and legally entangled projects.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 06, 2026 03:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).