'I could’ve made it bigger than Dhurandhar': Priyadarshan breaks silence on his exit from Akshay Kumar starrer 'Hera Pheri 3' over repeated 'insults' from producer Firoze Nadiadwala'Hera Pheri 3' has once again found itself in troubled waters. Although the third instalment of the beloved comedy franchise was officially announced in January 2025, the film recently suffered another setback after producer Firoz A. Nadiadwallah confirmed that Priyadarshan would no longer direct the project. The filmmaker has now revealed that a combination of legal complications and his strained relationship with the producer led to his exit.In a recent interview with Mid-day, Priyadarshan alleged that Nadiadwallah had repeatedly disrespected him over the years, making it difficult for him to continue with the film despite his enthusiasm for bringing the iconic trio back to the big screen.Recalling his conversations with the producer, Priyadarshan claimed that Firoz A. Nadiadwallah had asked Akshay Kumar not to make the film with him. "Firoz told Akshay, 'You have the rights to make 'Hera Pheri 3', but never make it with Priyadarshan. That’s my only request.' He has insulted me so many times, he told me that my cut of 'Hera Pheri' looked like a poor man’s version, that he had to edit my five-hour movie."The director added that he had accepted the project only because Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal personally wanted him to return."I initially agreed to do the third part with Akshay because I thought I could make one of this country’s biggest franchises. If I had directed it, I could’ve made it bigger than 'Dhurandhar'. Akshay, Suniel, and Paresh requested me to make 'Hera Pheri 3'. When I narrated the story to them, they were all excited."Legal battle became a major hurdleAccording to Priyadarshan, the problems surrounding the film began almost immediately after its announcement in 2025. He revealed that he received a call from Seven Arts Films' G. P. Vijayakumar, who warned him that proceeding with the project could violate existing rights agreements.Explaining the situation, the filmmaker said the copyright issues had become so complicated that he no longer believes the original trio will reunite for the film."When 'Hera Pheri 3' was announced, I got a call from Seven Arts Films' GP Vijayakumar that if we ever do the film, it will be a violation. I didn't know what to do. This is why I said that 'Hera Pheri 3' may never see the screens with the same characters. You will never see them again as it has too many legal issues."He further added, "According to me, 'Hera Pheri' was born, 'Hera Pheri 2' became sick, and 'Hera Pheri 3' will be dead."Copyright dispute over 'Hera Pheri 3'The legal dispute dates back to claims made earlier this year by South Indian producer G. P. Vijayakumar, who alleged that Firoz A. Nadiadwallah does not own the rights to the 'Hera Pheri' franchise. Vijayakumar claimed that in 2022, he acquired the complete rights to the franchise from Adithya Films, the producers of the Malayalam classic 'Ramji Rao Speaking', on which the original 'Hera Pheri' was based.He further alleged that Nadiadwallah had only purchased the Hindi remake rights of 'Ramji Rao Speaking' and later exceeded the scope of that agreement by producing the sequel. Addressing the controversy, Priyadarshan described the matter as "a legally complicated battle of copyright."Priyadarshan on Paresh Rawal's brief exitThe director also shed light on Paresh Rawal's temporary departure from 'Hera Pheri 3' in May 2025. At the time, reports suggested that the actor was unhappy with his remuneration and the way his character had been written. Akshay Kumar had even filed a Rs 25 crore lawsuit against Rawal before the actor eventually returned to the project.However, Priyadarshan dismissed those reports, claiming the issue stemmed from legal uncertainty rather than financial disagreements."At that time, Paresh Rawal got a legal notice from Firoz A. Nadiadwallah saying that while Akshay has the third part's rights, Nadiadwallah had not sold the three main characters, including that of Baburao. Paresh panicked and wanted to take a legal opinion on it. Hence he left the film. Money was not an issue."Despite the uncertainty surrounding the franchise, Priyadarshan expressed hope that the beloved series would survive. "Hera Pheri is one of my favorite films so whatever may be the outcome and whoever the producers are, let 'Hera Pheri' live long, by entertaining the people who love it."On the professional front, Priyadarshan has a packed slate of projects across multiple languages. The veteran filmmaker recently reunited with Akshay Kumar for the horror-comedy 'Bhooth Bangla', marking their collaboration after several years. He is also directing the Malayalam courtroom drama 'Justice', starring Mohanlal in the lead.