Suniel Shetty Calls Hera Pheri ‘Deshbhakti Film’, Talks About Comparison With Akshay Kumar: ‘My Film Tickets Don’t Sell'

‘Hera Pheri’ is widely regarded as a cult classic in Indian cinema—a comedy film that has transcended generations and continues to define humor for millions. But for Suniel Shetty, the film represents more than just laughs; he believes it’s a form of patriotic cinema.
At the trailer launch of his upcoming film ‘Kesari Veer’, Shetty was asked whether he and Akshay Kumar would team up again for a patriotic film. His unexpected response left the audience surprised—but intrigued. He boldly called Hera Pheri a "deshbhakti ki film" (a patriotic film) and backed his statement with conviction.

“Arey woh deshbhakti ki film hai… jo desh ko khush rakhe. Aaj ke bachon ki problem kya hai ki woh mentally khush nahi hai. Hera Pheri aap logon ke liye hai… taki aap mentally khush raho… aur kaho humare desh mein jo bhi hai woh extraordinary hai… It’s the best… hum logon ko hasate hai… khilate hai… gareebi mein haste bhi hai… aur hasate bhi hai. Aur agar Babu Bhai jaisa partner mil jaye toh baat hi kya hai!” ("Hera Pheri is a patriotic film—one that keeps the country happy. Today’s youth struggle with mental happiness. This film is for everyone to stay mentally joyful and to appreciate how extraordinary our country is. Even in poverty, we laugh and make others laugh. And if you find a partner like Babu Bhai, what more do you need?”)

A Humble Reflection on Career Lows

Suniel Shetty, once a massive star in the 1990s, has faced a quieter phase in his career over recent years. As he gears up for the release of Kesari Veer, the actor got candid about his commercial struggles at the box office.

When a journalist referenced Akshay Kumar’s string of patriotic films and pointed to Shetty’s past remark about “who will buy such films,” Suniel clarified:“Main Akshay ki baat nahi kar raha tha… main meri baat kar raha tha. Akshay toh superstar hai yaar… par meri pichli films nahi chali hai.”( “I wasn’t talking about Akshay… I was talking about myself. Akshay is a superstar… but my recent films haven’t worked.”)

He added with honesty:“Ticket nahi bikti hai meri films ki… woh dekhna zaruri hai. Pyaar bohot hai logon mein… kisi kisi ko free mein dekhna chahte hai… shayad mujhe free mein dekhna chahte hai.” (“Tickets to my films don’t sell—and that’s important to acknowledge. People do love me… maybe some want to watch me for free.”)

 

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