Priyadarshan Exits Hera Pheri 3 Amid Legal Woes

Director Priyadarshan has confirmed his departure from the upcoming film Hera Pheri 3, adding another layer of uncertainty to the project's future. This development follows producer Firoz Nadiadwala's earlier statement that Priyadarshan was not involved in the current iteration of the film.

Priyadarshan conveyed his belief that Hera Pheri 3 might never reach the screen due to a multitude of legal issues and interpersonal conflicts. He specifically highlighted disputes over film and music rights, mentioning that Bhushan Kumar has publicly claimed ownership of the music. Production house Seven Arts International has also raised concerns about Firoz Nadiadwala's contractual rights, alleging breaches related to franchise ownership.

The film, originally slated to commence production earlier this year, has faced considerable delays. Priyadarshan previously indicated that filming would definitely not happen in the current year, emphasizing the intricate nature of the rights disputes. The franchise, which first began in 2000 with Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal, has a history of production challenges, including past legal resolutions involving its cast members.