Akshay Kumar will NOT be a part of Hera Pheri 3.
Yes, you read that right. The classic comedy helped resurrect Akshay's career at a time when he was going through a string of flops. But two films down, and Akshay, we hear has opted out from its third installment for reasons best known to him.
The news came as a big shock for his fans, only that came with one bigger. Replacing Akshay is none other than his co-star from several films, John Abraham. John, it seems is on a replacement spree. He wore Akshay's shoes in Welcome Back, Aankhen 2 and the Awara Pagal Deewana sequel. And judging by the fate Welcome Back had at the box office recently, we can only pray for Hera Pheri 3!
While John and the film's makers have taken a big risk, there's still more news. John is not the only one joining the franchise. Even Abhishek Bachchan will be coming on board with the core cast of Paresh Rawal and Suniel Shetty. We know not everyone can be an Akshay Kumar, but even the two actors together cannot do justice to what Akshay did single-handedly for the iconic film.
Here's why:
1. Comic timing
No points for guessing, Akshay's wit and histrionics are absolutely unmatched. His raw comedy and appeal has floored every fan. Paresh Rawal might be brilliant and Suniel Shetty a true support, but if it's not got Akshay, it's not Hera Pheri!
2. Cheeky grin and mischief
"Har ek dost kameena hota hai" This was well proved by our very own Raju who left no stone unturned in being up to something naughty and mysterious, all the time. We will miss this kameena!
3. Ridiculous charm
Akshay knew how to get things done right, even if it was the wrong way. And boy, we simply loved him for his tactics.
4. The conman
Akshay's character did not believe in hard work and wanted easy money. Hence he conned everybody, making his con the basic plot of each Hera Pheri. Which brings us back to square one - no Akshay, definitely no Hera Pheri!
5. Shameless spirit
So we didn't mind if he ended up buying a suit from a kabadiwala. It just shows dedication - to get his way, he could go to any extent.
6. Sympathy factor
Despite being a comic hero, Akshay managed to grab all the deeper moments as well. Even after creating much trouble, his poker face was enough to leave the audience going "aaww"…
7. Natural camaraderie
Raju is the binding force between Babu Bhaiya and Shyam. While he got them into trouble, he made sure he made up for all this at the end of the day. After all, every master plan was his brain child.
8. Madness, sheer madness
We can never get over how the trio defined 'madness'. Case in point - the trio's fights where they ended up tearing each other's clothes, breaking heads and making a mess of the house.
9. Girls factor
Akshay brought the glamour quotient to every Hera Pheri movie, for he knew how to leave females around him drooling. Whenever an actress made an appearance, she had to be brought in by Akshay.
10. Good looks
Fans will definitely miss his good looks. This, combined with Akshay's eye-popping personality, added the macho aspect to the film. Even in worn-out clothes, he managed to flaunt those abs and muscles.
11. The trio
The trio of Akshay-Paresh-Suniel is the backbone of this franchise. And even if one of them leaves, it will never be the same. After all, nothing can replace this awesome threesome!