In a major development in one of Bollywood’s most loved comedies, producer Firoz Nadiadwala has filed a police complaint alleging copyright fraud and defamation of the Malayalam classic ‘Ramji Rao Speaking’, the basis of the 2000 landmark film ‘Hera Pheri’. Here’s everything you need to know.
Firoz Nadiadwala FIR file at Amboli police station
According to a Free Press Journal report, film producer Firoz Nadiadwala, 62, has filed a complaint at Mumbai’s Amboli police station against producers Gopala Pillai Vijaykumar and M. Paul Michael. The police registered the case on April 27, with the FIR alleging fraud and defamation related to the copyright of the 1989 Malayalam film “Ramji Rao Speaking”, based on “Hera Pheri”.According to the FIR, producer Nadiadwala, who runs Empire Studio in Andheri West, invested heavily in ‘Hera Pheri’. In 1997, director Priyadarshan brought the story to him, after which the film was developed and shot between 1998 and 2000.‘Ramji Rao Speaking’ was produced in 1989 by M/s Sarga Chitra where M. Paul Michael and Siddique KL alias Lal were partners. The remake rights were sold in 1993 to M/s Compact Disc India Limited. Nadiadwala legally acquired these rights on 24 March 2000 for Rs 4.50 lakh, getting copyright for Hindi and other languages, excluding southern languages.Based on these rights, ‘Hera Pheri’ (2000) and its sequel ‘Phir Hera Pheri’ (2006) were made and became huge commercial successes. Nadiadwala stated that no objection was raised in 25 years.
Firoz Nadiadwala has revealed that he receives legal threats
Firoz Nadiadwala has alleged a pattern of interference since the release of the film. He said that in 2000, Michael and Siddique tried to block the film’s release by “threatening them through intermediaries and even demanding money”, filing a complaint before the Mumbai Police Commissioner on 21 March 2000.The conflict seems to have been renewed in recent years. In December 2024, Nadiadwala received a copyright notice. Then, in October 2025, Vijaykumar filed a petition Madras High Courtclaiming new ownership of the rights through another company.Terming the claim as fabricated, Nadiadwala alleged that the accused “demanded Rs 60 lakh and 25% profit share while spreading false information using the actors’ names”.
More about ‘Hera Pheri 3’
With a third installment, ‘Hera Pheri 3’, in long debate, the copyright dispute adds new complications to the future of the franchise.Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on available police records and public statements. While we strive for accuracy, the legal status of cases can change rapidly as investigations progress or court rulings are issued. The figures and dates mentioned have been extracted from reported FIRs and industry archives. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or firm judgment as to the guilt or innocence of the parties involved. Readers are encouraged to follow official judicial updates for the most up-to-date information.
