Suniel Shetty has finally addressed the controversy over Paresh Rawal’s reported exit from Hera Pheri 3, firmly stating that the film is impossible without Rawal’s iconic role as Baburao Ganpatrao Apte.

Speaking to ANI, Shetty asserted, “It cannot happen. 100 per cent cannot happen without Paresh Rawal. It can have 1 per cent chance without me and Akshay, but 100% can’t happen without Paresh ji. No, it doesn’t. Raju and Shyam, if they’re not hammered by Babu here, it doesn’t work."

Shetty recounted that he first learned about the situation through his children, Athiya and Ahan Shetty. In an interview with India Today, he shared, “They both sent it to me within 15 minutes, asking ‘papa what is this?’ And I was here doing my interviews, and I felt like ‘holy s***’.” He was in the midst of promoting his new film Kesari Veer: Legends of Somnath when the news broke.

The actor said he hopes to reach out to find out what exactly went wrong, admitting he was just as excited as the fans to see the return of Raju, Shyam, and Baburao.

The confusion surrounding Rawal’s departure has only deepened. In an interview with Mid-Day, Rawal stated he had informed Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and director Priyadarshan of his decision to step away. However, Priyadarshan refuted this claim.

“I don’t know why this happened because Paresh didn’t inform us. Before starting the film, Akshay asked me to check with both Paresh and Suniel and I did and both were onboard," Priyadarshan told Hindustan Times. He also mentioned that Akshay might be considering legal action due to his financial involvement in the film. “I don’t have anything to lose but Akshay has invested money and that could be the reason why he is taking this action,” he added.

In an unexpected twist, Priyadarshan is currently collaborating with both Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal on another project titled Bhoot Bangla, further adding to the confusion surrounding Hera Pheri 3.