Fans of the iconic Hera Pheri franchise, rejoice! After 17 years of waiting, rumors are swirling that Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal have finally begun shooting for Hera Pheri 3. The trio, who brought to life the beloved characters of Raju, Ghanshyam, and Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, are reportedly back to recreate their legendary comic chemistry. But is the filming truly underway, or is this another false alarm? Here’s the latest scoop.
🛑 Breaking: Has the Hera Pheri 3 Shoot Started?
While no official announcement has been made by Firoz Nadiadwala (producer) or the actors, insiders claim the trio began filming in Mumbai in late April 2024. Key clues fueling the rumors:
- Suniel Shetty’s Cryptic Post: On April 25, Shetty shared a photo with Rawal and Kumar captioned “Back to the madness… #HP3” (quickly deleted).
- Paresh Rawal’s Interview: In a recent chat with ETimes, Rawal teased, “Baburao’s laughter will return soon.”
- Set Leaks: Paparazzi shots from Mumbai’s Film City show a set resembling Baburao’s chaotic “Gera Pheri” chawl.
However, Akshay Kumar’s team has remained tight-lipped, leaving fans in suspense.
🔄 Casting Rollercoaster: Akshay’s Return Confirmed?
The road to Hera Pheri 3 has been riddled with delays and drama:
- 2019–2022: Reports claimed Akshay exited due to creative differences, with Kartik Aaryan replacing him. Fans revolted, trending #BringBackRaju.
- 2023 U-Turn: After Aaryan’s exit, Nadiadwala reportedly reapproached Akshay, who agreed after script revisions.
- Confirmed Trio: In March 2024, Suniel Shetty confirmed on YouTube: “All three of us are on board. No Hera Pheri without Raju, Ghanshyam, or Baburao.”
📜 Plot & New Additions: What to Expect?
While the script is under wraps, sources suggest:
- Director Shift: Original director Priyadarshan may not return. Names like Anees Bazmee (Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2) are circulating.
- Modern Twist: The story shifts from Mumbai to Dubai, with Raju’s new get-rich-quick scheme involving cryptocurrency (!).
- New Cast: Riteish Deshmukh and Jaaved Jaaferi rumored to join as antagonists.
⏳ Why the 17-Year Delay?
The sequel’s journey has been chaotic, mirroring the franchise’s trademark madness:
- Script Disputes: Priyadarshan left in 2010 over disagreements with Nadiadwala’s “over-the-top” concepts.
- Akshay’s Busy Schedule: Kumar’s packed slate (15+ films since 2015) clashed with filming windows.
- Fan Backlash: Kartik Aaryan’s casting triggered outrage, forcing producers to revert to the OG trio.
🔥 Fan Reactions: #HeraPheri3 Trends Again
Social media is ablaze with memes and demands:
- “No one can replace Akshay’s Raju. Period.” – Twitter user @PhirHeraPheri
- “Baburao’s ‘Yeh Baburao ka style hai’ better return!” – Reddit thread
- “Just give us Raju’s ‘Plan’ and Baburao’s Landline!” – Instagram comment
📅 Release Date & Expectations
If filming is indeed underway, Hera Pheri 3 could hit theaters by Diwali 2025. Trade analysts predict a ₹300 crore+ gross, given the franchise’s cult following.