Priyadarshan says “Hera Pheri 3 will be dead” days after exiting Akshay Kumar-starrer; alleges repeated insults by Firoz Nadiadwala

After making sure he is no longer part of Hera Pheri 3, filmmaker Priyadarshan has shared more about why he decided to leave the long-awaited comedy series.He claims that repeated disrespect from producer Firoz Nadiadwala and a long copyright fight over the franchise made him think the film might never happen.

Priyadarshan said, "Hera Pheri 3 will be dead," just days after leaving the Akshay Kumar project.

He also accused Firoz of insulting him many times.He said Firoz told Akshay, "You can make Hera Pheri 3, but never with Priyadarshan.That's my only request." Priyadarshan said Firoz criticized his version of Hera Pheri [2000], saying it looked like a poor man's version and that he had to edit his five-hour film.He initially agreed to direct Hera Pheri 3 with Akshay because he thought it could become one of the biggest franchises in the country.Akshay, Suniel, and Paresh all wanted him to make the third part.When he told them the story, they were all excited.

Priyadarshan said the issues with the project started much earlier.

In 2025, he got a call from Seven Arts Films' GP Vijayakumar warning him that making the film could lead to legal problems.He said, "When Hera Pheri 3 was announced, I got a call from Seven Arts Films' GP Vijayakumar that if we ever do the film, it will be a violation.I didn't know what to do.This is why I said that Hera Pheri 3 may never see the screens with the same characters.You will never see them again as it has too many legal issues.According to me, Hera Pheri [2000] was born, Hera Pheri 2 [2006] became sick, and Hera Pheri 3 will be dead."

Despite leaving Hera Pheri 3, Priyadarshan's work with Akshay Kumar continues.

Days after confirming he was no longer directing the franchise, he also confirmed his ninth film with the actor.Readers may remember that Bollywood Hungama first reported that Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar were working on another project.In April, a source told the publication, "Priyadarshan is putting together an exciting film and has signed Akshay Kumar for it.It'll be a typical Priyan entertainer that'll appeal to the youth and families alike." The source also said the film will be produced by Tips Films, marking the banner's first collaboration with Priyadarshan and the second film together for Akshay Kumar and Tips after Entertainment (2014).

The confirmation came ahead of the release of their eighth collaboration, Haiwaan, which is set for release on September 11, 2026.

The film also stars Saif Ali Khan in a key role.