"Hera Pheri"  that floored audiences with its comedy in the first two installments, is getting ready for round three. After the original, directed by Priyadarshan in 2000, and its sequel "Phir Hera Pheri" by director Neeraj Bor, the third installment will be out this year and will be directed by Anees Bazmee. However, actor Akshay Kumar may not be part of the film.

Confirming the news, Bazmee says, “We are working on "Hera Pheri 4". Akshay is not a part of it. Producer Feroz Nadiadwala and I are still working on the details and we will finalise everything soon.”

After "Hera Pheri" and "Phir Hera Pheri", it was expected that the third installment would be "Hera Pheri 3". But ask Bazmee why they insist on calling it "Hera Pheri 4", and he laughs and says, “To maintain this confusion.” Actor Suniel Shetty, who is part of the film, adds, “The makers say that in "Hera Pheri 3", Akshay, Paresh Rawal and me were missing in action, so the film didn’t happen."

Ask him if a change in director with every installment is affecting the quality of the film, and he says,  “That’s the producer’s call. As far I am concerned, I adore Anees Bazmee. He is fantastic.” The film is expected to go on the floor by mid 2012.