For millions of fans who have been eagerly awaiting the return of the iconic trio – Raju, Shyam, and Baburao – there is some bittersweet news from the Khiladi himself. In a recent candid interaction on journalist Subhankar Mishra’s YouTube channel, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar provided a definitive, albeit disappointing, update on the current status of Hera Pheri 3.

The franchise has been mired in headlines for years, with rumors of casting changes, creative disputes, and production delays constantly swirling. Ahead of the release of his upcoming project Bhooth Bangla, Akshay finally addressed whether the film has cleared its hurdles and is back on track. Unfortunately, his response was far from the confirmation fans were hoping for. “The film is not happening anytime soon,” Akshay stated, effectively putting an end to the immediate speculation regarding a 2026 or 2027 release.

While there have been occasional glimpses of hope—including a viral photo of the original cast (Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal) together last year—the actor’s latest comments suggest that the project remains in developmental limbo. Sources indicate that the delay stems from a commitment to the script’s quality; the team is wary of rushing a sequel that fails to live up to the legendary status of the first two installments.

For the audience, Hera Pheri is more than just a film—it is a cornerstone of Indian pop culture and meme history. Akshay’s focus seems to be on ensuring that if the third part ever happens, it must be “perfect.” While the “Hattrick” of India’s favorite comic timing is on an indefinite pause, the actor’s focus remains on his diverse upcoming slate, leaving the fate of the Star Fisheries boys to the future. For now, the wait for the cult classic’s return continues.