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Hera Pheri 3 is set to bring back the beloved Bollywood comedy franchise that has delighted audiences for decades. With its original trio of Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal, the series has become a cult classic, known for its hilarious timing and entertaining storylines. After a long wait, fans are finally getting their wish as the third installment is now in production, generating immense excitement and anticipation among comedy enthusiasts.

Akshay Kumar recently acquired the rights to Hera Pheri 3 from producer Feroz Nadiadwala. However, Paresh Rawal suddenly announced his exit, surprising Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty along with fans of the franchise.  According to reports, Paresh Rawal sought higher remuneration despite being paid triple of his usual fee. Consequently, Akshay's production house has reportedly filed a Rs 25 crore lawsuit against Rawal for backing out after signing the contract.

Amidst the Hera Pheri 3 conflict, here are seven Akshay Kumar starrer comedy movies you should check:

Hera Pheri (2000)

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal
A timeless classic that redefined comedy in Bollywood, Hera Pheri follows three down-on-their-luck men who unknowingly get involved in a kidnapping scam gone hilariously wrong. Paresh Rawal’s portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte became iconic, with Akshay and Suniel forming the perfect trio. The movie grossed over Rs 27 crore, cementing its place as a cult favorite and sparking a successful franchise.

Garam Masala (2005)

Cast: Akshay Kumar, John Abraham, Rimi Sen, Neha Dhupia, Rajpal Yadav
In this rib-tickling romantic comedy directed by Priyadarshan, Akshay Kumar plays a flirtatious photographer juggling multiple girlfriends, while John Abraham plays his jealous friend. The film’s chaotic energy and witty timing make it a laugh riot. With a box office collection of Rs 33 crore, Garam Masala emerged as a moderate hit and showcased Akshay’s impeccable comedic timing.

Phir Hera Pheri (2006)

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Bipasha Basu, Rimi Sen
A direct sequel to Hera Pheri, this installment sees Raju, Shyam, and Babu Bhaiya falling prey to a scam as they chase quick riches, leading to another whirlwind of hilarious misadventures. The chemistry between the lead trio once again lit up the screen. With a massive Rs 69 crore haul, Phir Hera Pheri was not just a success but one of the top comedies of its time.

Bhagam Bhag (2006)

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Govinda, Lara Dutta, Paresh Rawal, Jackie Shroff
Set against the backdrop of a theatre troupe in London, Bhagam Bhag blends mystery with humour as the actors find themselves entangled in a murder case. Govinda and Akshay’s comic pairing added to the film’s energy, while the twists kept audiences engaged. The movie earned Rs 34 crore and gained popularity for its chaotic yet entertaining storyline.

Welcome (2007)

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Katrina Kaif, Feroz Khan
In this madcap entertainer, Akshay plays a simple man who unknowingly falls in love with a don’s sister, leading to a series of laugh-out-loud situations. Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar’s gangster duo brought unforgettable comic moments. With a stellar ensemble cast and endless gags, Welcome collected Rs 47 crore, becoming a major hit and later leading to Welcome Back in 2015.

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Welcome movie poster (Image: Instagram/@areeshreviews)

Singh is Kinng (2008)

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Sonu Sood, Om Puri, Neha Dhupia
Akshay Kumar shines as Happy Singh, a lovable Punjabi villager who unexpectedly becomes the king of an Australian underworld. Packed with heart, humour, and high energy, the movie combines cultural comedy with action and romance. It went on to become a box office juggernaut, raking in Rs 110 crore, and remains one of Akshay’s most celebrated comedy roles.

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Singh Is King poster (Image: Facebook/@raftaar)

Housefull (2010)

Cast: Akshay Kumar, Riteish Deshmukh, Deepika Padukone, Lara Dutta, Arjun Rampal, Boman Irani
This multistarrer comedy of errors revolves around misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and one man’s struggle to find true love while convincing others he’s not cursed. Directed by Sajid Khan, Housefull delivered slapstick humour and colourful chaos that clicked with family audiences. With a whopping Rs 116 crore collection, it became the foundation for a successful comedy franchise with four sequels to date.

Among all the Housefull films, which one stands out as your personal favorite?
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Also Read: Not Just Hera Pheri 3, Paresh Rawal Previously Rejected Akshay Kumar’s THIS Movie Sequel