The Hera Pheri franchise has long held a special place in the hearts of Indian moviegoers. Since its debut in 2000, followed by the equally beloved sequel Phir Hera Pheri in 2006, the series has become a cultural phenomenon. With Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal as the unforgettable trio of Raju, Shyam and Baburao, the films delivered iconic comedy and timeless dialogue.
Fans have been clamoring for the third installment for over a decade, driven by a mix of nostalgia and excitement. The announcement of Hera Pheri 3 had reignited that hope but recent developments have left audiences disheartened and deeply concerned about the franchise’s direction.
The third installment now faces a serious crisis following veteran actor Paresh Rawal’s unexpected decision to exit the project. This sudden move reportedly led Akshay Kumar to issue a legal notice to Paresh Rawal, escalating tensions and casting a shadow over the film’s future. With Paresh Rawal’s portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte widely regarded as the heart of the franchise, his absence is being felt as a potential deal-breaker for many loyal fans.
In the midst of this uncertainty, a digitally created image of acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi as Baburao has taken the Internet by storm. The AI-generated photo features Pankaj Tripathi dressed in the character’s signature white vest and dhoti, accessorised with Baburao’s recognisable gold chain and bracelet. Complete with thick-rimmed glasses and the classic hairstyle, the image sparked immediate debate on platforms like Reddit and Twitter, with opinions sharply divided.
While some fans were intrigued by the idea, many stressed that Pankaj Tripathi, though immensely talented, would be better suited to reinterpret the character rather than outright replace it. Comparisons were drawn to how new actors, like Robert Pattinson as Batman, face inevitable scrutiny when stepping into iconic roles. A few voices in the crowd believed Pankaj Tripathi could bring something fresh to the role, perhaps in a spin-off or reimagined version but feared the original magic would be lost in a direct substitution. There were also suggestions to change the film’s title or character names if Pankaj Tripathi were cast, to avoid diluting Paresh Rawal’s legacy.
Despite the debate, some viewers acknowledged Pankaj Tripathi as the most fitting alternative if Paresh Rawal does not return. Yet, the general sentiment leaned towards the idea that Baburao’s essence could never truly be replicated.
Amid all the fan reactions, Suniel Shetty, one of the original leads, voiced his shock and disappointment at Paresh Rawal’s departure. In an interview, Suniel Shetty firmly stated that Hera Pheri simply cannot exist without Paresh Rawal’s presence. He emphasised that while the movie might scrape by without him or even Akshay Kumar, it has “zero chance” without Paresh Rawal. For Suniel Shetty, it was never about the actors’ real names but about the characters — Raju, Shyam and Babu Bhaiya, whose chemistry and chaos made the franchise unforgettable. The dynamic, especially Baburao’s comic timing and lovable eccentricity, is what defined the films.
As things stand, fans are clinging to hope that Paresh Rawal might reconsider his decision and return for the third part. With the trio being the soul of the franchise, any deviation from the original cast threatens to unravel the nostalgic charm that has sustained the Hera Pheri legacy for over two decades.
