The ‘Hera Pheri 3’ rights row has taken a new turn. Cape of Good Films LLP, the production company owned by Akshay Kumarissued a public notice in the July 4, 2026 edition of the trade magazine Complete Cinema, stating that it only has the exclusive rights to produce and commercially exploit the film. The notice also warns members of the film trade and other companies not to enter into agreements with third parties regarding the rights of Hera Pheri 3 without the company’s signature.
Public notice addressed to agents in the sector
Bollywood Hungama reported the public notice, a screenshot of which was shared by Akshay Kumar’s fan club. It is aimed at the general public and stakeholders of the Indian film industry, including distributors, exhibitors, cinema chains, OTT platforms, TV broadcasters, digital platforms, advertisers, licensors, licensees, aggregators, syndicates and other stakeholders.The notice reads: “Notice is hereby given to the public in general, and the Indian film trade in particular, including without limitation, all distributors, exhibitors, cinema chains, OTT and streaming platforms, television broadcasters, digital platforms, advertisers, licensors, licensees, aggregators, syndicates and all other persons and entities involved, that Cape of the Good Film LLP, the sole, irrevocable and exclusive of the world is irrevocable and exclusive. perpetual and unencumbered license to produce, distribute, market, exploit, market and otherwise deal with the motion picture currently entitled ‘Hera Pheri 3’ (‘the Film’), together with all rights thereto, in all modes, media, platforms, technologies and formats, whether known or hereafter devised.”It further states: “All persons and entities are urged to recognize and respect the aforementioned rights of Cape of Good Films LLP and are further cautioned against any agreement, transaction, negotiation, representation or dealing with any third party claiming rights in or in relation to the film without the prior written permission of Cape of Good Films LLP.”
legal warning included in the notice
The notice also includes a legal notice that reads: “Anyone who acts contrary to this notice does so at their own risk, and Cape of Good Films LLP reserves all rights and remedies available at law and in equity.”
Priyadarshan the departure and allegations against Firoz Nadiadwala
This public notice comes amid uncertainty over the fate of Hera Pheri 3. The film has been in the news for the past few weeks after filmmaker Priyadarshan announced that he was stepping away from directing the much-anticipated comedy. He also made serious allegations against producer Firoz Nadiadwala, alleging that he was repeatedly insulted during his dealings. The director added that he believed “Hera Pheri 3” could have become one of India’s biggest film franchises if he had been at the helm.
Priyadarshan remembers being insulted by Firoz Nadiadwala
Talking to Mid-Day, Priyadarshan shared details of one such episode, saying, “Firoz told Akshay, ‘You have the rights to do Hera Pheri 3, but you never do it with Priyadarshan.’ This is my only request. He has insulted me so many times. He told me that my cut of Hera Pheri (2000) looked like a poor man’s version and that I had to edit my five-hour film. I initially agreed to do the third part with Akshay because I thought I could do one of the biggest franchises in this country. Had he directed it, he could have made it bigger than Dhurandhar. Akshay, Suniel and Paresh asked me to do Hera Pheri 3. When I narrated the story to them, they were all excited.”
The difficult journey of Hera Pheri 3 so far
“Hera Pheri 3” was initially slated to reunite the beloved trio of Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty i Paresh Rawalwith Priyadarshan in the lead. Since then, however, the project has encountered multiple obstacles. Paresh Rawal briefly exited the film in May 2025 before returning to the cast, and the project has remained mired in legal disputes.