Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal and Sunil Shetty’s Hera Pheri is one of the most loved franchises of Indian cinema. For the last 2 decades, cinemagoers have been constantly demanding that their favorites come back playing the roles of Raju, Shyam and Baburao, but producer Firoz Nadiadwala’s legal and financial complications have kept the film far from going on floors. While Akshay and the team are keen to start shooting for the film, the controversies are not lagging behind.
Earlier in the week, there were reports that a leading production house is interested in buying the rights of Hera Pheri franchise for Rs 80 crore from a third party, which owns the original IP of the franchise. The banner wanted to buy the rights and then co-produce the film with Firoz Nadiadwala, with the ultimate intention of revamping it with a young hero. However, Pinkvilla has delved into the matter and can confirm that the legal issues of Hera Pheri 3 are far from concluded.
We contacted Mr. Vijay Kumar, who is fighting against Firoz Nadiadwala to claim ownership of the Hera Pheri franchise. Vijay Kumar insists that he owns the rights to Ramoji Rao Speaking and the Hera Pheri franchise and hopes to make Hera Pheri 3 with Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal and Suniel Shetty. He stressed that Firoz Nadiadwala cannot sell the rights to any third party, as he does not own the franchise rights.
Watch excerpts from the interview below:
Is there a court case between you and Firoz Nadiadwala?
We have the full rights to the Hera Pheri franchise, everything is clear and unambiguous. What else? This guy made the second installment without permission.
After the second film, he also announced the third film. Then we realized the situation and wrote to him, but he kept avoiding us. Ultimately, we had to approach the court and the court has made it clear that we have the rights.
We had given the remake rights only once for the Hindi version. They made that, but then made another film without our consent or knowledge. For whatever reason, we didn’t pursue that matter at that time, we let it go. However, when they attempted to make a third film, we issued a notice clearly stating that they had no rights, and even the second film was an infringement.
He did not give a positive response for the third installment. Instead, he was trying to sell or transfer it to a third party. That’s when we approached the court and filed an IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) case. He appeared in court, but is continuously delaying the proceedings. I’m not sure what he’s trying to achieve, but the court is very clear that we have the rights, and we are confident of getting that order.
Are you no longer willing to sell the rights to anyone?
No, sale can be considered only after the issue with Nadiadwala is resolved. Once that is resolved, all options are open, be it a sale, a remake, or something else since it is a major brand.
The point is that someone has violated these rights and continues to do so. We tried to make him understand and resolve the matter amicably, but he kept avoiding it. Since they chose this path, we had no option but to take the legal route.
As is common, there are delays, adjournments, document requests and other procedural matters but that does not change the outcome. We will resolve this through proper procedure and it will definitely be resolved.
Who do you think is the best person to handle the Hera Pheri franchise?
Naturally, as of now, the team of Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal and Sunil Shetty remains the lead cast. As things stand, it makes the most business sense in every way for Akshay Kumar and team to be a part of it.
This makes it clear that the IP of Hera Pheri 3 is currently with you, right?
Yes, 100 percent. Not just the third installment, the entire IP is ours. If you ask me, this situation is completely unnecessary. No one benefits from dragging on this matter. Now we have to pursue it legally and bring it to fruition. The only issue is the delay on their part, avoiding posturing and prolonging the process.
When are you expecting the decision?
The trial has started, but he did not appear. If he continues to avoid the court, the court may take a tough stance. It’s basically a matter of time now. We are moving forward on a fast-track basis, but we still have to wait for the legal process to be completed.
We expect an update from the court soon on the future of the Hera Pheri franchise. But fans will definitely have to wait longer, because Firoz Nadiadwala and Vijay Kumar. As far as the rights being given to a third party and the possibility of reformation with new artistes is concerned – this is all hearsay!
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