Even after 20 years, Hera Pheri (2000) is still one of Bollywood’s most loved comedies. Directed by Priyadarshan and starring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal, the movie about three men caught in a messed up ransom plan continues to make people laugh through TV reruns, memes, and famous dialogues.
With fans eagerly waiting for Hera Pheri 3, Priyadarshan has finally spoken up, saying the movie will only happen if the story is as good as the original. He told Pinkvilla, “I cannot tell if I am doing the third part, unless and until I can crack a film which has to do justice to the first installment. The first part was born, but the third one shouldn’t let it die. If I am doing the film, I have to make sure that it is tolerable for people who watched the first part.”
Priyadarshan emphasized that the challenge is not about recreating the beloved characters, but about crafting a story that feels fresh, funny, and true to the spirit of the franchise. “Unless and until I crack the full film, I will never attempt part three. If a good script doesn’t turn out to my conviction, I will not do the film. I have climbed certain heights in my career from where I don’t want to fall badly,” he added.
About the Hera Pheri franchise
The first movie, inspired by the Malayalam film Ramji Rao Speaking (1989), was a surprise hit and became one of India’s most quoted comedies. Its sequel, Phir Hera Pheri (2006), directed by the late Neeraj Vora, continued the funny adventures of Raju (Akshay Kumar), Shyam (Suniel Shetty), and the unforgettable Baburao Ganpatrao Apte (Paresh Rawal).
