Hulchul was a ‘bad experience’, says Arshad Warsi; reveals being promised Akshay Kumar's Hera Pheri-like role in film

Arshad Warsi reflected on his career, mentioning that his experience with the film Hulchul was disappointing and confusing, as he felt misled about his role.

Bollywood actor Arshad Warsi, best known for his impeccable comic timing, has entertained audiences with hit films such as Golmaal, Munna Bhai MBBS, Dhamaal and many more. In a recent conversation with The Lallantop, the actor opened up about one film he considers an exception in his otherwise fulfilling career, Hulchul.

Arshad Warsi revealed he was promised Akshay Kumar's Hera Pheri-like role in Hulchul

Arshad Warsi shared about his bad experience on Hulchul set.

Arshad revealed that while he generally does not crib about his work, Hulchul turned out to be a “bad experience”. He even said that he was, in a way, “tricked” into doing the film. Arshad said, “Hulchul was a problem. Humare Neeraj Vohra sahab the, I was busy doing films, and he said, 'Arshad, ek film hai aur Priyadarshan director hai. I said wow, done, what am I doing in it?. He said tune Hera Pheri dekhi hai? Usmein jo Akshay Kumar ka role hai vohi same role hai.' I was like done, it's a damn good role (Neeraj Vohra saab was there. I was busy doing films when he said, “Arshad, there’s a film and Priyadarshan is the director.” I said, “Wow, done. What am I doing in it?” He said, “Have you seen Hera Pheri? It’s the same role that Akshay Kumar played in that film.” I was like, “Done, it’s a damn good role)."

Directed by Priyadarshan, the romantic comedy was a remake of the 1991 Malayalam film Godfather. The film starred Akshaye Khanna, Kareena Kapoor, Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff, Amrish Puri, Paresh Rawal, Arbaaz Khan, Shakti Kapoor, Farha Naaz and Laxmi in key roles.

Arshad Warsi’s upcoming films

Arshad Warsi will next be seen in Siddharth Anand’s King, which stars Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role, alongside Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan and Jaideep Ahlawat. The film also marks Shah Rukh Khan’s daughter Suhana Khan’s theatrical debut and is expected to release in 2026.

He also has Welcome To The Jungle in the pipeline, featuring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Sanjay Dutt, Paresh Rawal and others. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release in 2026.