Paresh Rawal recently shared insights about Hera Pheri 3, revealing that Kartik Aaryan was indeed cast in the film, but not as Akshay Kumar’s iconic character, Raju. Instead, Kartik was set to portray a different role, separate from the beloved trio.
Reflecting on the franchise’s second installment, Phir Hera Pheri, Rawal admitted that despite the film’s commercial success, it didn’t live up to its full potential. In a conversation with Siddharth Kannan, he expressed how the film lost the charm that made the original a classic.
“Everybody was overconfident about the film. It lost its innocence. Sorry to say, but woh film nahi bani thi bara bar (the film wasn’t that good),” Rawal confessed. He recalled advising director Neeraj Vohra to avoid overloading the narrative with unnecessary sequences.

“I told him, ‘You’re overstuffing the film. It isn’t required. Keep the simplicity of the first film.’ If you overfill the movie, it gets messy. People might laugh at anything — even someone running naked — but we don’t need to resort to that. The sense of proportion should always be there,” he explained.
Rawal’s honest remarks highlight his belief in balancing humor with substance, emphasizing that Hera Pheri‘s magic lay in its simplicity and well-timed comedy. Fans now eagerly await to see how the franchise evolves with its next chapter.
The Hera Pheri series has cemented itself as a cult classic in Indian cinema. The first film, released in 2000, became a massive hit due to its witty dialogues, hilarious situations, and the heartwarming chemistry between the lead trio — Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal. Rawal’s portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte remains one of the most iconic comedic characters in Bollywood history.
However, when Phir Hera Pheri released in 2006, it struggled to match the original’s charm. While it had its moments, many fans and critics felt the storyline became unnecessarily convoluted, and some gags felt forced. Rawal’s comments reflect this sentiment, shedding light on how creative excess can sometimes dilute a film’s impact.

The news of Kartik Aaryan’s casting had sparked excitement and curiosity among fans. Many speculated whether he would replace Akshay Kumar as Raju, a rumor that Rawal has now debunked. Kartik was supposed to play a fresh character, potentially introducing a new dynamic to the story.
Meanwhile, fans have been vocal about wanting the original trio to reunite. Akshay Kumar, in previous interviews, had expressed hesitation about returning to the franchise due to creative differences. However, recent reports suggest that conversations are ongoing, and there’s hope for a reunion.
Rawal’s critique of Phir Hera Pheri highlights his dedication to authentic storytelling. Despite being a comedic powerhouse, he believes humor should emerge organically from the characters and situations, rather than relying on shock value or cheap gimmicks.
This perspective is particularly relevant today, when many Bollywood comedies rely on slapstick humor or over-the-top antics. Rawal’s words serve as a reminder that timeless comedy comes from well-crafted scripts, relatable characters, and sharp dialogue — elements that made the original Hera Pheri a masterpiece.
Die-hard fans of the franchise have been vocal on social media, sharing their hopes for the third installment. Many want the story to return to its roots, focusing on the trio’s quirky chemistry and the everyday struggles that lead to hilarious consequences.
The simplicity of the first film — three broke men stumbling into a kidnapping scheme — was its biggest strength. If the creators of Hera Pheri 3 can recapture that essence, the film has the potential to be another classic.

More than two decades after its release, Hera Pheri continues to enjoy immense popularity. Memes, quotes, and clips from the film frequently go viral, proving its enduring appeal. Baburao’s iconic lines, Raju’s street-smart schemes, and Shyam’s exasperation have become ingrained in pop culture.
Paresh Rawal’s candid reflections on the franchise’s journey provide valuable insights into what made Hera Pheri special — and what needs to change for the third installment to succeed. Fans are now waiting with bated breath, hoping that Hera Pheri 3 can deliver the same magic that made the original a beloved clas
Disclaimer: This is an AI-generated live blog and has not been edited by Localtak staff.
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