Suniel Shetty: Akshay, Paresh and I had committed to the movie

It's hard to imagine Hera Pheri's universe without the street-smart Raju, essayed by Akshay Kumar, guiding the innocent Shyam and the bumbling Babu bhaiyya on their misadventures. However, earlier this week, it was reported that Kumar will not be a part of the third instalment that will see Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal reprise their roles. Instead, Kartik Aaryan is in talks to play a new character in the comedy that will apparently be helmed by Anees Bazmee. At a recent event, Kumar confirmed his exit from Hera Pheri 3, stating that he was "not satisfied" with the script.

The 2000 film was a sleeper hit on release

The cult comedy's fans aren't the only ones heartbroken at this news. Co-star Shetty too is "shocked" at the sudden turn of events. The senior actor tells mid-day, "Everything was on track, but I don't know what happened suddenly [that] Akshay is not a part of it anymore. Once I am [done with] Dharavi promotions, I will sit with Firoz [Nadiadwala, producer] and understand why and how this happened. Akshay, Paresh and I had committed to the movie, and this twist has stunned me."

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On its release in 2000, Priyadarshan-helmed Hera Pheri - about two tenants and a landlord who hatch a flawed plan to make quick money - became a sleeper hit, going on to gain a cult status in Hindi cinema. Its success spawned the sequel, Phir Hera Pheri (2006). Since then, there has been much curiosity around the third part, and Shetty is only too happy to set off on a new joyride with his co-stars. "Hera Pheri 3 cannot be the same without Akshay. Raju, Babu bhaiyya and Shyam are iconic characters whose journeys have been together. There's palpable excitement when you mention the film. I want to see if things can still fall in place."