Fans eagerly waiting for Hera Pheri 3 will have to be patient.

Director Priyadarshan has confirmed that the third installment of the beloved comedy franchise will “definitely not” begin shooting this year due to ongoing legal complications.

In an interview with E Times, the 69-year-old filmmaker revealed that the delay is due to complex rights issues surrounding the film.

“Certain people said they have the rights to the film, while others claimed rights to the music,” Priyadarshan explained, describing the matter as far from simple.

The sequel to the 2000 cult hit Hera Pheri has reportedly run into legal trouble over ownership claims.

Who owns rights?

Producer G. P. Vijayakumar has moved the Madras High Court, claiming he holds the rights to the film instead of Firoz Nadiadwala.

According to Bar and Bench, Seven Arts International argued that Nadiadwala only had remake rights to the Malayalam film Ramji Rao Speaking, which was later adapted into Hera Pheri.

There are also claims that franchise rights may have been transferred to Cape of Good Films, owned by Akshay Kumar.

Adding another layer to the dispute, Bhushan Kumar has publicly stated that the music rights belong to him. Until these legal matters are resolved in court, the production cannot move forward.

Past setbacks and cast concerns

The project has also faced internal turbulence. At one stage, Paresh Rawal reportedly stepped away from the film.

There were also reports that Akshay Kumar sought Rs 25 crore in damages, although that issue has since been resolved.

Priyadarshan dismissed speculation of any long-term fallout between the team members. “I’ve also seen people fall out and then work together again. I don’t think there are permanent enemies in politics or cinema,” he said.