{
  "id": 5034008,
  "title": "'You Are Trying To Exploit The Franchise': Priyadarshan Reveals Why He Decided Not To Direct Hera Pheri 3",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/you-are-trying-to-exploit-the-franchise-priyadarshan-reveals-why-he",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-02T06:21:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/entertainment/you-are-trying-to-exploit-the-franchise-priyadarshan-reveals-why-he-decided-not-to-direct-hera-pheri-3"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Priyadarshan, the director of the 2000 release Hera Pheri, recently revealed his reasons for not directing Hera Pheri 3 in an interview with Zoom. The filmmaker stated that he is not inclined towards making sequels of his own films, and other individuals are currently producing sequels of his movies. Priyadarshan declared, \"I never made it. I always believe that Hera Pheri was born, the second was fallen sick, and the third may die. I feel it is done. The limit has been done in the first part. Now, you are trying to exploit the franchise.\"\n\nWhen discussing sequels, Priyadarshan emphasized that the magic cannot be recreated, and the audience has high expectations. He added, \"Whatever you do, they will not be happy or satisfied. So, why do you want to try it? Just leave it as an original. It is a cult film. Let it be like that.\"\n\nPriyadarshan, with a four-decade-long career, mentioned that the biggest challenge he faced was the ever-increasing expectations from his work. The filmmaker is currently involved in the promotions of his upcoming movie Haiwaan, set to release on September 11, 2026. The film, starring Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar, is an adaptation of the Malayalam film Oppam, which featured Mohanlal and Samuthirakani. Additionally, Priyadarshan is planning a movie with Akshay Kumar where the actor will play a character inspired by Jim Corbett, a tracker and hunter. However, the details of this project have not yet been officially announced.",
  "summary": "Hera Pheri 3 is one film that has made it to the headlines multiple times, but it is yet to go on the floor. Priyadarshan, who directed the 2000 release Hera Pheri, was supposed to helm Part 3 as well. However, the filmmaker opted out of it, and currently, there's no update on the movie. Recently, in an interview, Priyadarshan opened up about why he decided not to direct Hera Pheri 3. In an…",
  "key_points": [
    "Priyadarshan, Hera Pheri director, declines directing Hera Pheri 3",
    "Exploiting franchise, magic can't be recreated, audience expectations high",
    "Focused on upcoming Haiwaan and Jim Corbett-inspired film"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Priyadarshan's decision not to direct Hera Pheri 3 reflects his belief that sequels often fail to recreate the magic of the original and can damage a film's cult status.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}