Priyadarshan BREAKS Silence On Hera Pheri 3: 'Will Direct Only If Story Lives Up To Original...'

Few films in Bollywood have reached the cult status of Hera Pheri (2000). Directed by Priyadarshan and starring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal, the comedy about three desperate men stumbling into a ransom call gone wrong has lived on through memes, dialogues, and repeat television runs for more than two decades. Now, talk of Hera Pheri 3 has set the internet buzzing once again.

In a chat with Pinkvilla, director Priyadarshan finally opened up about the possibility of returning to helm the beloved franchise. The filmmaker, however, stressed that he would only move forward if the story lived up to the original.

“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,”

Priyadarshan explained. “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.”

He added that the challenge lies not in recreating the characters, but in finding a narrative that feels authentic and equally hilarious. “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 said.

The Hera Pheri franchise itself has an interesting history. The first film, based on the Malayalam movie Ramji Rao Speaking (1989), was an unexpected hit and went on to become one of India’s most quoted comedies. Its sequel, Phir Hera Pheri (2006), directed by the late Neeraj Vora, carried forward the misadventures of Raju (Akshay Kumar), Shyam (Suniel Shetty), and the unforgettable Baburao Ganpatrao Apte (Paresh Rawal).

With speculation about Hera Pheri 3 running high and the trio already expressing interest in reprising their iconic roles, all eyes are now on Priyadarshan. While the director’s comments signal cautious optimism, fans are hopeful that the much-awaited third installment will finally materialize, balancing nostalgia with a fresh story.

For now, one thing is clear: Hera Pheri 3 will only happen if Priyadarshan is convinced that the film can carry forward the legacy of a franchise that redefined comedy for an entire generation.