Fans of the iconic Indian comedy series ‘Hera Pheri’ can hardly contain their excitement as filmmaker Priyadarshan has confirmed his return to the franchise with the upcoming third installment, ‘Hera Pheri 3’. The announcement came on January 30, which coincidentally marked Priyadarshan’s 68th birthday, turning out to be not just the director’s day but also, as he charmingly noted, ‘a gift for the fans.’
Priyadarshan, who directed the original 'Hera Pheri' film released in 2000, took to social media to share the news, creating quite the stir among fans and colleagues. Responding to heartfelt birthday wishes from Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, Priyadarshan tweeted, “Thank you so much for your wishes, Akshay. In return, I would like to give you a gift; I’m willing to do ‘Hera Pheri 3’. Are you ready @akshaykumar, @SunielVShetty, and @SirPareshRawal?”
The lighthearted exchange on social media quickly garnered massive attention, with fans flooding various platforms to express their enthusiasms—many even shared memes from previous films expressing their joy. Kumar reacted to the announcement with his trademark humor, posting, “Sir!!! Your birthday and I got the best gift of my life. Chalo karte hain phir thodi hera pheri :)” alongside his famous meme from the film ‘Welcome’, saying “Miracle! Miracle!”
For those unfamiliar with the series, ‘Hera Pheri’ and its sequel ‘Phir Hera Pheri’ have cemented their place as two of Bollywood’s most cherished comedic films, thanks largely to the unforgettable chemistry between Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Suniel Shetty. The original film's humor and charming antics have earned it cult status among audiences.
Priyadarshan confirmed his decision to return to the franchise, stating, “Despite having previously said I wouldn’t return, I felt the pressure to revive these beloved characters became too much to ignore.” His sentiment showcases how deeply the series is ingrained not just within popular culture but also within the hearts of those who created it.
Confirming the collaborative spirit behind the franchise, Shetty and Rawal did not hesitate to express their excitement for the project, marking the occasion as not just another film, but the return of cherished characters to the silver screen.
With production set to officially commence in December 2025, the filmmakers have outlined plans for the shoot to span over six months, aiming to wrap up by May 2026. Insiders revealed the team has already crafted character sketches and story outlines, ensuring every detail honors the franchise's legacy. There’s even buzz about targeting Akshay Kumar’s 60th birthday as the film's release date, adding another layer of anticipation among fans.
“Hera Pheri has contributed so much to Akshay Kumar's career, and he is incredibly emotionally attached to it,” shared one insider. “Now, it’s about giving all positive energies toward ‘Hera Pheri 3’ and taking audiences on another unforgettable ride.”
Given the lengthy hiatus since the last sequel debuted nearly two decades ago, fans are ecstatic at the thought of seeing Babu Bhaiya, Raju, and Shyam unite once again. Reactions from social media users ranged from nostalgic memes to excited predictions about how the film might surpass its predecessors.
Yet, beneath the excitement lies the right pressure for the director and actors alike—for they must recapture the magic of the originals. Priyadarshan, still engaged with his current project ‘Bhoot Bangla’, seems ready to embrace the challenge. He stated, “We know the legacy of ‘Hera Pheri’. Our utmost goal is to craft something fans will love.”
Social media excitement has reflected the sentiments of countless other fans. Memes and comments have been viral, distinguishing this announcement as one of Bollywood’s most anticipated projects. “Wow, if this happens, it will break records,” commented one fan, clearly recognizing the impact ‘Hera Pheri 3’ could have on cinema.
While the plot details remain under wraps, the mere reunion of the core cast—Kumar, Shetty, and Rawal—along with the veteran director will undoubtedly draw audiences to theaters. The only question now is how the film will build upon its predecessors’ legacy and whether it will resonate with the audience's expectations, many of whom have grown up enjoying the franchise.
‘Hera Pheri 3’ promises to mix laughs with nostalgia, aiming to present not just another sequel but to rekindle memories of joy and camaraderie, reminding viewers why they fell in love with the series. It’s undoubtedly shaping up to be the comedy film event fans have been anticipating for years. Priyadarshan seems ready to take audiences on yet another hilarious ride as he looks to begin production soon, marking the franchise’s glorious comeback.