The legal battle surrounding Hera Pheri 3 has intensified, with Akshay Kumar’s production company, Cape of Good Films LLP, issuing a public notice claiming exclusive ownership of the film’s worldwide rights. The notice, published in the July 4 edition of the trade magazine Complete Cinema, warns industry members against entering into any agreement related to the film without the company’s approval.
According to the public notice, Cape of Good Films LLP claims it is the “sole and exclusive owner” of all rights connected to Hera Pheri 3, including production, distribution, marketing and commercial exploitation worldwide. The company has cautioned film trade bodies, distributors, exhibitors and business partners against dealing with any third party regarding these rights without its written consent.
The franchise has been embroiled in a copyright battle since earlier this year, when Seven Arts International approached the Madras High Court claiming that producer Firoz Nadiadwala does not hold the rights to the Hera Pheri franchise. The company alleged that Nadiadwala was originally granted rights to remake only one film the Hindi adaptation of the Malayalam classic Ramji Rao Speaking but later went on to produce Phir Hera Pheri and transfer franchise rights to a third party.
As reported by Hindustan Times, Seven Arts International managing director GP Vijayakumar said his company had purchased the franchise rights from the original producers and questioned the legality of further sequels being made under the current arrangement.
Priyadarshan exits the project
The controversy has also affected the film’s creative team. Director Priyadarshan, who was expected to helm the sequel, recently confirmed that he has stepped away from the project. He cited unresolved legal complications and ongoing disputes over both film and music rights as major obstacles.
In a recent interview, Priyadarshan admitted that multiple parties were claiming ownership of different rights connected to the film, making it difficult for production to move forward. He also indicated that Hera Pheri 3 would not go on floors until all legal issues are settled.
Future remains uncertain
Despite the production house’s latest assertion of ownership, the film’s future remains unclear. The sequel has already faced delays linked to court proceedings, cast-related disputes and changing creative plans. While fans continue to await the return of Raju, Shyam and Baburao, the project remains stuck in a complex web of legal and commercial negotiations.
