Akshay Kumar’s Bold Move: Waiving Fees for ‘Hera Pheri 4’?
Akshay Kumar is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that fans of the beloved Hera Pheri franchise get a bang for their buck when the third instalment hits theatres next year. After initial uncertainties about Akshay’s involvement in the project, recent buzz suggests that he’s gearing up to reprise his iconic roles in this classic comedy. Reports indicate that the actor is going all out to resurrect the franchise ‘Hera Pheri 4’.
According to Bollywood Hungama, Akshay was disheartened when he heard rumours that Kartik Aryan was being considered for a role in the upcoming movie “Hera Pheri 4.” Allegedly, discussions were in progress with Kartik Aryan. However, upon learning about the uproar from fans, Akshay decided to set aside any differences with producer Firoz Nadiadwala and commit to the film.
Sources suggest that Akshay was aware of Nadiadwala’s financial challenges and saw the potential for both “Welcome 3” and “Hera Pheri 4” to become blockbusters. To expedite these projects, Akshay reportedly waived his acting fees in favour of a profit-sharing arrangement. If the films perform as expected at the box office, the actor will receive a portion of the profits based on a predetermined ratio. The filming for the next Hera Pheri instalment is slated to commence in 2024, while production for Welcome 3 is expected to kick off soon.
The third instalment of the “Hera Pheri” series has been in the works for quite some time. In 2022, Kumar made headlines when he revealed that he had stepped away from the project due to dissatisfaction with the screenplay.
“‘Hera Pheri’ has been a part of me. A lot of people have memories, and even I have good memories of it. But I feel sad that we haven’t made the third part for so many years. The film was offered to me, but I was not satisfied with the screenplay and the script. I was not happy with it,” the actor explained in a statement to PTI.
The 2000 film “Hera Pheri,” in which Akshay starred alongside seasoned actors Paresh Rawal and Suniel Shetty, became a cult favourite. The sequel, “Phir Hera Pheri” (2006), reunited Kumar, Rawal, and Shetty in their iconic roles as Raju, Babu Bhaiya, and Shyam, respectively. Fans have long awaited the next chapter in this uproarious saga.
