In a surprising and heartwarming statement, Bollywood veteran Suniel Shetty has redefined the iconic comedy Hera Pheri as a patriotic film, sparking laughter and admiration among fans. At the trailer launch of his upcoming historical epic Kesari Veer on April 29, 2025, Shetty was asked about the possibility of reuniting with his Hera Pheri co-star Akshay Kumar for a patriotic project. His witty and insightful response left the audience in splits while offering a fresh perspective on the beloved 2000 cult classic. Here’s why Suniel Shetty believes Hera Pheri embodies ‘deshbhakti’ and how his comments have reignited excitement for the franchise, especially with Hera Pheri 3 on the horizon.
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Hera Pheri: A Patriotic Film That Keeps the Nation Happy
When posed with the question of collaborating with Akshay Kumar on a patriotic film, Suniel Shetty didn’t hesitate to bring up Hera Pheri. “Hera Pheri? Hera Pheri toh deshbhakti ki film hai. Jo desh ko khush rakh sakta hai,” he quipped, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd. Translating to “Hera Pheri is a patriotic film. The one that can keep the country happy,” Shetty’s statement was both humorous and profound. He elaborated that the film’s ability to spread joy and laughter, especially in challenging times, is a form of service to the nation, aligning with the spirit of patriotism.
Shetty emphasized the mental health struggles faced by today’s youth, noting, “Aaj ke baccho ki problem kya hai na, wo mentally khush nahi hai. Hera Pheri aap logo ke liye hai taaki aap log mentally khush raho.” (The problem with today’s kids is that they are not mentally happy. Hera Pheri is for you all so that you can be mentally happy.) He further celebrated India’s resilience, saying, “Humare desh mein jo kuch bhi hai, extraordinary hai… hum logon ko hasate hai, khilate hai, gareebi mein bhi haste hai aur hasate bhi hai.” (Everything in our country is extraordinary… we make people laugh, feed them, and even in poverty, we laugh and make others laugh.) For Shetty, the chaotic yet lovable trio of Raju (Akshay Kumar), Shyam (Suniel Shetty), and Baburao (Paresh Rawal) represents the emotional strength and unity that define India.
The actor’s heartfelt take resonated deeply, highlighting how Hera Pheri’s timeless humor transcends its comedic roots. By connecting the film’s ability to uplift spirits with patriotism, Shetty underscored the cultural significance of laughter as a unifying force. His nod to Baburao’s character, played by Paresh Rawal, as the ultimate partner in life’s chaos further endeared fans, with many taking to social media to share clips of his viral statement.
The Legacy of Hera Pheri
Released on March 31, 2000, Hera Pheri, directed by Priyadarshan, is a remake of the 1989 Malayalam film Ramji Rao Speaking. The story follows two tenants, Raju and Shyam, and their quirky landlord, Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, who stumble upon a ransom call and hatch a plan to claim the money. What ensues is a hilarious rollercoaster of misunderstandings, iconic dialogues, and unforgettable performances by Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal. Despite a slow start at the box office, the film grossed ₹21.4 crore against a ₹7.5 crore budget, eventually earning cult status as one of Bollywood’s greatest comedy films.
The film’s authenticity in depicting the economic struggles of lower-middle-class families, combined with its situational comedy and memorable lines like “Yeh Baburao ka style hai,” cemented its place in Indian pop culture. Voted the best Bollywood comedy film in a 2014 Indian Express poll, Hera Pheri continues to inspire memes and remains a go-to watch for generations. Its 2006 sequel, Phir Hera Pheri, directed by Neeraj Vora, furthered the trio’s misadventures, though it didn’t match the original’s critical acclaim.
Shetty’s recent comments have reignited nostalgia for the franchise, with fans praising his ability to find deeper meaning in a film often celebrated purely for its humor. His perspective aligns with the idea that cinema, even comedy, can serve a higher purpose by fostering joy and resilience, qualities he sees as inherently patriotic.
Hera Pheri 3: A Blockbuster in the Making
Adding to the excitement, Suniel Shetty’s comments coincided with updates about Hera Pheri 3, the much-anticipated third installment of the franchise. Director Priyadarshan, who helmed the original, has confirmed that scripting will begin in 2026, with filming scheduled to start in December 2025 and wrap by May 2026. The original trio—Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal—will reunite, with Sanjay Dutt joining the cast, promising a fresh yet nostalgic continuation of the series.
Shetty has expressed immense confidence in the project, calling Priyadarshan’s script “extraordinary” and predicting that Hera Pheri 3 will be a “blockbuster.” The film is expected to retain the emotional journey of Raju, Shyam, and Baburao while introducing new shenanigans to keep audiences laughing. After years of delays, rumors, and speculation about the cast, the confirmation of the original trio’s return has sent fans into a frenzy, with posts on X buzzing with excitement.
Kesari Veer: Shetty’s Next Patriotic Venture
While Hera Pheri was the highlight of Shetty’s comments, the Kesari Veer trailer launch was the occasion for his viral statement. Set for release on May 16, 2025, Kesari Veer is a historical epic chronicling the bravery of Hamirji Gohil, a warrior who defended the Somnath Temple against the Tughlaq Empire in the 14th century. Shetty stars as the fearless Vegda Ji, alongside Vivek Oberoi, Sooraj Pancholi, and Akanksha Sharma, in a film directed by Prince Dhiman and Kanu Chauhan. The trailer promises high-octane action and an emotional tribute to unsung heroes, aligning with Shetty’s passion for stories that inspire pride and resilience.
Shetty’s ability to bridge the lighthearted patriotism of Hera Pheri with the intense historical narrative of Kesari Veer showcases his versatility and deep connection to storytelling that uplifts audiences. His comments at the event also reflected on his career, candidly addressing comparisons with Akshay Kumar and acknowledging the challenges of recent box office performance, yet his optimism about Hera Pheri 3 and Kesari Veer has fans rooting for him.
Why Shetty’s Take Resonates
Suniel Shetty’s declaration that Hera Pheri is a ‘deshbhakti’ film has struck a chord because it reframes a comedy classic as a cultural touchstone. In an era where mental health challenges are increasingly acknowledged, Shetty’s emphasis on laughter as a healing force feels timely. His celebration of India’s ability to find humor in adversity mirrors the spirit of Hera Pheri’s characters, who navigate poverty and chaos with wit and camaraderie. By linking this to patriotism, Shetty has given fans a new lens through which to view a film they’ve loved for decades.
The viral response to his statement, amplified by posts on X, reflects the enduring love for Hera Pheri and its stars. Fans have flooded platforms with quotes from the film and praise for Shetty’s heartfelt perspective, with one user noting, “Only Suniel Shetty could make us see Babu Bhaiya as a patriot!”
Looking Ahead
As Hera Pheri 3 gears up for production and Kesari Veer prepares for its theatrical debut, Suniel Shetty’s comments have added a new layer of appreciation for the Hera Pheri legacy. His ability to find patriotism in laughter has not only endeared him to fans but also underscored the power of cinema to unite and uplift. Whether it’s the chaotic hilarity of Raju, Shyam, and Baburao or the valor of Vegda Ji, Shetty continues to champion stories that resonate with the heart of India.
Mark your calendars for Kesari Veer on May 16, 2025, and keep an eye out for Hera Pheri 3, set to bring back the “Dhoom Dhadaka Orchestra” in 2026. In the meantime, revisit Hera Pheri on Prime Video or Phir Hera Pheri on Prime Video and JioHotstar to experience the patriotic joy Suniel Shetty so passionately described.
-By Manoj H
