Hera Pheri 3 Cast: Is Kartik Aaryan Still A Part Of The Sequel? Paresh Rawal Clears The Air; 'Isko Raju...'

Hera Pheri 3 Cast Updates: The buzz around the highly-anticipated comic-caper threequel, Here Pheri 3, continues to grow with every passing day. Fans have been eagerly waiting for to watch the iconic trio, Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal and Suniel Shetty, back on big screens. Almost 3 years ago, Paresh Rawal had confirmed Kartik Aaryan's entry as 'Raju' to the highly-anticipated Bollywood sequel. Now, as the OG Hera Pheri trio is said to be back for Hera Pheri 3, is the Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 star still a part of the sequel?

Did Kartik Aaryan Really Replace Akshay Kumar In Hera Pheri 3?

The Hera Pheri franchise has earned the 'cult-classic' status over the years, becoming one of the most-loved comic franchise in Bollywood of all time. Nearly 3 years ago, veteran actor Paresh Rawal had confirmed Kartik Aaryan's entry to the beloved franchise as 'Raju', sparking speculations of the Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 actor replacing Akshay Kumar in the franchise which had left the internet divided.

In a recent conversation with Siddharth Kannan, Baburao Ganpatrao Apte aka Paresh Rawal clarified the entire situation and explained Kartik's involvement had a different storyline altogether.

"Vo kahani alag thi tabhi, isko Raju samajh kar pakad kar laaye the, ye alag hi kirdar tha (That was a different story then, and he was brought for the role of Raju, but it was actually a different character) (sic)," the 69-year-old was quoted saying.

Is Kartik Aaryan Still A Part Of Hera Pheri 3?

Now, fans must be thinking - is Kartik Aaryan still a part of Hera Pheri 3? Well, the answer seems to be 'no'.

During the same conversation, Paresh Rawal further explained saying, "Kahani alag ho gayi, abhi Priyadarshan aa rahe hain (The story has changed now, and Priyadarshan has joined the project) (sic)."

When Will Hera Pheri 3 Go On Floors? Check Release Update

According to a Pinkvilla report, Hera Pheri 3, directed by Priyadarshan, is slated to go on floors in December 2025 and will be shot over a time period of 6 months with Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal and Suniel Shetty. As the report further suggests, the makers are planning to release the third part of the cult-comedy franchise on big screens in 2026.