The Hera Pheri franchise, which debuted in 2000, has cemented its place as a cult classic in Indian cinema, thanks to its iconic characters, humorous dialogues, and timeless comedy. With Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal leading the previous two films, fans have eagerly awaited the next installment. Director Priyadarshan has now confirmed that work on the script for Hera Pheri 3 will commence in 2026. He also acknowledged that meeting audience expectations will be a significant challenge.
In a recent conversation with ETV Bharat, Priyadarshan revealed, “I intend to start writing Hera Pheri 3 next year. However, crafting the third film will be tough due to the immense expectations surrounding it.” He explained that while evoking emotions like sadness or fear is relatively simple, creating pure comedy without relying on suggestive humor is far more challenging. He further noted that comedy evolves with time, and since audience preferences shift, adapting to contemporary tastes is crucial. Given that the beloved characters have aged, the story must ensure their journey remains authentic and relatable.
Priyadarshan also mentioned that while some elements in the movie will be exaggerated, they should still feel realistic. However, he admitted that he would gain a clearer vision only once he starts writing. “Once I put pen to paper, I’ll understand how to shape the script. It’s a tough challenge, but I want to create something truly great,” he stated.
Speaking about his long-standing professional relationship with Akshay Kumar, Priyadarshan shared that some collaborations happen effortlessly. Apart from Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, with whom he has worked on over 40 films, Akshay Kumar is the actor he has collaborated with the most. He highlighted Akshay’s deep trust in his vision, mentioning that the actor rarely questions the storyline once the core idea is shared. Akshay simply arrives on set, delivers his performance, and leaves everything else to the director. While this trust is reassuring, Priyadarshan admitted that it also comes with a sense of responsibility, as he feels pressured to meet expectations.
The announcement of Hera Pheri 3 came in an unexpected yet delightful manner. On Priyadarshan’s birthday, Akshay Kumar shared a heartfelt message for him. In response, the director surprised fans with an exciting proposal, saying, “Thank you for your wishes, Akshay. As a gift, I’d love to make Hera Pheri 3. Are you ready, @akshaykumar, @SunielVShetty, and @SirPareshRawal?”
Akshay Kumar’s reply was filled with enthusiasm, as he immediately accepted the offer, writing, “Sir!!! It’s your birthday, but I just received the best gift of my life. Let’s do some Hera Pheri again! 🙂 @SirPareshRawal @SunielVShetty @priyadarshandir.”
With this announcement, fans are now more excited than ever for the much-awaited third installment of the beloved comedy franchise.