Jun 29, 2026 11:56am IST
‘Hera Pheri 3’: ‘Priyadarshan is not part of it,’ confirms producer Firoz A Nadiadwallah (EXCLUSIVE)
Firoz A Nadiadwallah, whose “Welcome to the Jungle” released recently, opens up about the absence of “Hera Pheri” director Priyadarshan from the third installment of the franchise, his equation with Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal and his plans for a big-screen adaptation of Mahabharat.
Writer-director Neeraj Vora has been posthumously credited with the original story for ‘Welcome to the Jungle.’ What does he mean to the franchise, and are there more scripts or ideas from him that you would want to bring to life?
He was, and always will be, the guiding factor. Neeraj ji and I worked on several screenplays together. Everything has been developed and now needs to be executed.
You recently spoke about building a Family Universe. What is the vision behind it?
The thought behind the Family Universe is to create a space where we can bring audiences together through entertaining cinema. Our purpose is to make entertaining movies for families — whether it is humor, wit, romance, action, supernatural elements, or horror. We want to create everything that can attract family audiences to come together and enjoy a theatrical experience.
How do you define family entertainment in today’s cinematic landscape?
There is a difference between action and violence. Action and thrill are what you see in films like ‘Mission: Impossible’ and the ‘Bourne’ franchise. These are action movies, but they are not based on blood, gore or violence. Likewise, there is a difference between sensuality and sexuality. In family movies, there is room for every emotion. It is our conscious responsibility that has led us to this decision. We are very clear about that.
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How would you describe your relationship with Akshay Kumar? He came on board ‘Welcome to the Jungle,’ else the film would not have released.
Our relationship is more like a brotherhood. It is above finance and pressure. Our relationship goes back to 1996–97. It is based on staying together, working together and that’s the bond we share.
You have also shared a long association with Paresh Rawal.
There is no word in the dictionary to describe Paresh bhai. He is unreal. His thoughts, support and efforts are beyond ordinary. There is something spiritual about the way he approaches his work.
What is the current status of Hera Pheri 3?
Things are on track and moving in the right direction.
Will Priyadarshan be associated with the project?
No, Priyadarshan is not part of it.
You have often spoken about wanting to make ‘Mahabharata’ as a feature film. Where does that project currently stand?
‘Mahabharata’ as a motion picture has been made only once in our country — in 1965 by my father. It has emotion, bonding, warfare, deceit, treachery, romance, belief — and above all, it has Lord Krishna’s message: right over might. Through the film, we want to bring out those values. We have developed the script and are polishing it further. It is a very big attempt.
Would you use AI in your projects?
As little as possible. It depends on how you look at it. Films cannot only be made by using AI. We rely more on art than craft. Art is what you think and how you put those thoughts on paper. Craft is your technique and technology.
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