With box office flops straight in a row Akshay Kumar is allegedly returning to his comedy franchises. Reportedly he will extend his comedy series namely Hera Pheri 3, Welcome 3, and Awara Pagal Deewana 2. However, reports circulating in the media suggest that Kartik Aaryan will replace Kumar in Hera Pheri as he previously did in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2.
Ever since the official announcement of Hera Pheri 2 was made fans were going crazy to see the trio of Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal aka Raju, Shyam, and Baburao back on the silver screen. Unfortunately, their dreams might not get true as Akshay’s character Raju will be played by Kartik Aaryan in the third installment.
For a while now, talks were on and off between producer Firoz Nadiadwala and actor Akshay Kumar. According to Bollywood Hungama reports, Firoz Nadiadwala was having parallel conversations with Akshay Kumar as well as with Kartik Aaryan. But reports surprised everyone that Hera Pheri will be happening but not with Akshay Kumar instead Kartik will play the role.
A source close to the development informed Bollywood Hungama, “Firoz is keen to revive Hera Pheri franchise and wanted to start it as soon as possible. After the success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, Kartik is also a hot property for Akshay Kumar franchises and hence, he was discussing Hera Pheri 3 with both Akshay and Kartik.”
The source further added, “Through the discussion, Akshay Kumar quoted Rs. 90 crores as his fees plus some share of profit as his remuneration for Hera Pheri 3 whereas Kartik Aaryan was willing to do it for Rs. 30 crores. Firoz went to the satellite and digital players with the two probable casting calls and that’s when he realised that the proposition of working with Kartik Aaryan was giving him more lucrative returns in the final tally than working with Akshay. The difference in the remuneration price was nearly Rs. 60 crores between both actors. However, the film was fetching only Rs. 15 crores lesser from satellite and digital players for Kartik as compared to Akshay. Firoz was nearing saving Rs. 45 crores by signing Kartik for the film.”
The source continued, “Akshay turned it down as he felt, the franchise benefits majorly from his presence. After several rounds of meetings, the conversations were not moving in the right direction and ended in a stalemate. That was the final nail in the coffin. Finally, Firoz Nadiadwala had no choice but to sign his contract with Kartik Aaryan and the duo are now all set to revive Hera Pheri 3. Firoz feels that Kartik is the best fit for the role of Raju. In-fact, the entire script has now been worked on keeping Kartik’s image in mind. Hera Pheri 3 warrants the presence of a young Raju. It’s a solid script and will do justice to the Hera Pheri franchise.”
Also Read: Kartik Aaryan Joins Cast Of Hera Pheri 3, Paresh Rawal Confirms