When the Cast Changed: How Bollywood's biggest franchises witnessed surprising actor exits and replacements

In the glitzy world of Bollywood, franchises often become synonymous with the faces that headline them. Audiences get attached to characters and the actors who portray them, turning them into cultural icons. Yet, behind the scenes, the industry thrives on unpredictability — from fallouts and scheduling conflicts to creative differences and calculated casting decisions. Over the years, several successful Bollywood franchises have seen significant cast changes, with actors either choosing to exit or being replaced, sometimes altering the fate of the franchise itself. Here’s a look at some of the most notable instances.

Paresh Rawal and the Curious Case of 'Hera Pheri 3'

No conversation about Bollywood franchises is complete without mentioning Hera Pheri, the cult comedy that gave us the unforgettable trio of Raju, Shyam, and Babu Bhaiya. Paresh Rawal’s portrayal of the affable yet gullible Babu Bhaiya earned him immense love and solidified his status as a comedy legend. While Rawal reprised his role in Phir Hera Pheri (2006), much to fans’ delight, things took a different turn when Hera Pheri 3 was announced.

Despite the original cast being synonymous with the franchise, Rawal was, for a long time, sure about returning. But a few weeks ago Suniel Shetty revealed that Paresh Rawal isn't part of the film anymore. Taking to social media Rawal wrote, “ I wish to put it on record that my decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 was not due to creative differences. I REITERATE THAT THERE ARE NO CREATIVE DISAGREEMENT WITH THE FILM MAKER . I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan the film director”

Sharman Joshi’s Golmaal Exit: A Fallout and a New Face

When Golmaal: Fun Unlimited released in 2006, Sharman Joshi’s portrayal of Laxman was one of the film’s highlights. The Rohit Shetty-directed madcap comedy struck gold at the box office, leading to expectations of a sequel with the same ensemble. However, Joshi was conspicuously absent in Golmaal Returns (2008).

Industry insiders whispered about a fallout not between the actor and the director but due to issues arising from Joshi’s then-secretary. Reportedly, unreasonable demands and miscommunication led to the breakdown. Shreyas Talpade was brought in as a new character, also named Laxman, and continued in the subsequent films of the franchise.

Saif Ali Khan’s 'Race' Exit and Salman Khan’s Controversial Entry

The Race series, known for its slick production values and convoluted plots, became a signature franchise for Saif Ali Khan. Starring in the first two installments, Khan’s suave anti-hero roles showcased his versatility and helped redefine his image post-Omkara. However, when Race 3 was announced in 2018, there was a surprising shift — Salman Khan replaced Saif as the lead.

Though the film boasted an ensemble cast including Anil Kapoor and Bobby Deol, and crossed the Rs 100 crore mark, it was panned by critics and audiences alike. Its box office run, while profitable, fell short of expectations, leading to it being considered a creative misfire. Now, buzz suggests that Saif is in talks to return for Race 4, a move aimed at resurrecting the franchise’s original flavor.

The Ever-Changing Faces of 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa'

Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) was not just a film — it was a phenomenon. Akshay Kumar, as the eccentric psychiatrist Dr. Aditya Shrivastav, and Vidya Balan, as the tormented Avni/Manjulika, left an indelible mark. So when the franchise was revived with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 in 2022, fans were both intrigued and skeptical.

This time, Kartik Aaryan stepped into the lead role, while Tabu took on the central supernatural character, filling in the formidable shoes of Vidya’s Manjulika. Surprisingly, the sequel worked, becoming a commercial success. Recognizing the nostalgia factor, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 promises a blend of old and new, with Vidya Balan returning to reprise her Manjulika avatar alongside Kartik, making it a rare case of a franchise embracing both legacy and fresh faces.



'Bunty Aur Babli': A Sequel That Couldn’t Con

When Bunty Aur Babli released in 2005, Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukerji’s on-screen chemistry as small-town con artists was infectious. Coupled with a foot-tapping soundtrack and slick storytelling, the film was a blockbuster. However, when Yash Raj Films announced Bunty Aur Babli 2 in 2021, fans were taken aback to find Abhishek replaced by Saif Ali Khan.

Despite Saif’s stature and Rani’s return, the sequel failed to capture the magic of the original. Critics pointed out the lack of spark between the leads and flaws in the plotline of the film. The film underperformed, reinforcing the idea that sometimes, no matter how talented the replacement, audiences remain loyal to the original cast.

Why Do These Replacements Happen?

While each case is unique, common factors often emerge behind these high-profile exits and replacements:

• Creative differences: Disagreements over the script or character arc often lead actors to opt out.
  
• Scheduling conflicts: Bollywood’s top actors juggle multiple projects, making date coordination challenging.
  
• Interpersonal issues: ASometimes external representatives complicate relationships.
  
• Strategic franchise rebooting: Producers occasionally believe that fresh faces can revive waning interest, though this doesn’t always work as planned.
  
• Pay disputes: Financial disagreements, particularly in multi-star projects, can also cause exits.
  

Does Changing the Cast Affect the Franchise?

The answer is nuanced. While some franchises like Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 managed to soar despite casting changes, others like Bunty Aur Babli 2 and Race 3 struggled without their original leads. Audiences, especially in India, develop deep attachments to characters and the actors portraying them. A change is often seen as a risk — sometimes paying off, sometimes backfiring.

Moreover, nostalgia has become a powerful currency in Bollywood. The return of legacy characters, as in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, signals producers’ growing awareness of audience sentiment.

Franchise filmmaking in Bollywood is at an interesting crossroads. While newer stars and fresh narratives are being welcomed, the magnetic pull of original ensembles remains undeniable. As audiences become more vocal on social media and box office numbers continue to be unpredictable, producers are treading carefully between innovation and tradition.

Whether it’s Paresh Rawal contemplating a return as Babu Bhaiya or Saif Ali Khan potentially re-entering the Race track, one thing is clear — in Bollywood franchises, exits may be dramatic, but comebacks are always possible.