Honestly, if you've been following the news about movie Hera Pheri 3, you probably feel like you’re being scammed by Raju himself. One day it’s happening, the next day it’s cancelled, then someone gets sued, and suddenly everyone is hugging it out on Instagram. It’s a mess.
But here is the thing: as of early 2026, we finally have some real, non-fake clarity on where Baburao, Raju, and Shyam actually stand. No more "insider sources" claiming Kartik Aaryan is replacing Akshay Kumar (remember that nightmare?). We are looking at a very specific timeline now.
What is really going on with the Hera Pheri 3 production?
The drama behind the scenes has been more intense than the movies. For a while, it looked like the project was dead. Paresh Rawal literally walked out at one point. Akshay Kumar filed a 25-crore lawsuit against him. It was nasty. People thought the bond between the trio was shattered forever.
But money and nostalgia have a funny way of fixing things. Akshay recently cleared the air, saying the legal stuff was real but they've settled it. They’re back. The big news? Priyadarshan is officially returning to direct.
"It is going to be very challenging to make the third part because there will be too many expectations," Priyadarshan recently told the press.
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He’s right. Comedy has changed. You can't just do the same "21 din mein paisa double" jokes and expect a 2026 audience to lose their minds. The director is actually waiting until he finishes Bhoot Bangla (which also stars Akshay and Paresh) before diving full-tilt into the Hera Pheri script.
The 2026 Timeline: When do they actually start?
Forget the 2024 or 2025 release dates you saw on those sketchy movie posters online. Those were fake.
- February 2026: This is the big month. Paresh Rawal confirmed that shooting is scheduled to kick off around February or March 2026.
- Scripting Phase: Priyadarshan is reportedly starting the formal writing process right now. He wants the humor to be "pure" and "identifiable" without relying on cheap double meanings.
- The Cast: It's the OG trio. Akshay Kumar as Raju, Suniel Shetty as Shyam, and Paresh Rawal as Baburao. No Abhishek Bachchan, no John Abraham—those were plans from a decade ago that are long gone.
Why did it take twenty years?
It’s been two decades since Phir Hera Pheri left us with that cliffhanger of Raju holding the antique guns. Why the wait? Honestly, it’s a mix of bad luck and ego.
Neeraj Vora, who directed the second film and was the creative soul behind the dialogue, passed away in 2017. That was a massive blow. Then there were the financial issues with producer Firoz Nadiadwala. For years, the rights were tangled up.
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There was also a huge creative rift. Akshay Kumar famously said he wasn't happy with the script a few years back. He’s the "Khiladi"—he knows his brand. If the script isn't funny, he’s out. It took a massive wave of fan outrage on social media to get the producers to fix the script and bring the original team back together.
The "Bhoot Bangla" Connection
If you're wondering why movie Hera Pheri 3 isn't out right now, look at Bhoot Bangla. It's a horror-comedy also directed by Priyadarshan, starring Akshay and Paresh. It’s slated for an April 2026 release.
Think of it as a warm-up. The team is testing their chemistry after years apart. If Bhoot Bangla hits, the hype for the third Hera Pheri will be astronomical. If it flops? Well, the pressure on Baburao's dhoti just gets heavier.
What to expect from the plot
Priyadarshan has hinted that the characters have aged. They aren't young hustlers anymore. They are older men, and the story has to reflect that. We aren't going to see them running around like they did in 2000.
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Expect a story that deals with modern scams—crypto, deepfakes, maybe? But the core will still be the same: Raju's greed, Shyam's frustration, and Baburao's legendary confusion.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're waiting for this movie, here’s how to stay updated without falling for clickbait:
- Ignore "Leaked" Trailers: Anything on YouTube right now is a fan-made edit using old footage or AI. Official teasers won't exist until mid-2026.
- Watch "Bhoot Bangla" First: Since it's the same director-actor combo, it will give you a massive hint at the tone of the upcoming Hera Pheri.
- Follow Suniel Shetty: Honestly, Suniel has been the most transparent person in this whole process. He’s usually the first to confirm when things are actually moving on set.
The wait is almost over. After years of legal battles and "will-they-won't-they," the most iconic trio in Indian comedy is finally getting back into character. Just don't expect it in theaters until late 2026 or early 2027. Quality takes time, especially when you're trying to live up to a legend.
Stay tuned for the official production launch in February. That’s when the real "Hera Pheri" begins.