Excitement is building around the next installment of the Race franchise, and recent developments have only added to the buzz. Fans of the Race series have long been demanding Saif Ali Khan’s return, and it seems that their wishes may finally come true. After Race 3 starring Salman Khan was met with a mixed response—despite its box office success—the makers have decided to change the course of the franchise for Race 4.
According to reports, Salman Khan has opted out of Race 4, and the makers are not planning to link the new film with Race 3 at all. Instead, they are taking the story back to its roots, connecting Race 4 with Race 1 and Race 2, which featured Saif Ali Khan as the lead. This decision comes after Race 3 faced heavy criticism for its storyline, and fans expressed their dissatisfaction with Salman Khan’s involvement.
Salman Khan Not Interested in ‘Race 4’
Salman Khan, who played the lead role in Race 3, has reportedly shown no interest in being a part of Race 4. The third film in the franchise may have done well commercially, but it was not well-received by the audience, particularly due to its storyline and Salman’s character. In fact, the film became the subject of countless memes, and the overall reception led to a decision by the makers to rethink the future of the series.
Salman’s fans are also not keen on seeing him in negative roles, which added constraints on his character in Race 3. While the film strayed from the original Race formula, it seems the makers want to return to the franchise’s roots and bring back Saif Ali Khan, who delivered memorable performances in the first two films.
Saif Ali Khan and Siddharth Malhotra Set to Lead ‘Race 4’
With Salman stepping away from the franchise, Saif Ali Khan is poised to make a triumphant return as the lead in Race 4. Saif’s role in Race 1 and Race 2 was highly appreciated, and fans have been eagerly waiting to see him reprise his iconic character. Reports suggest that Race 4 will continue the storyline of the first two films, with no connection to Race 3.
Additionally, actor Siddharth Malhotra has been cast in a significant role in Race 4, bringing a fresh dynamic to the franchise. The casting process for the remaining characters is nearing completion, and fans can expect more star-studded announcements from the makers soon.
Shooting of ‘Race 4’ to Begin in January 2025
Shiraz Ahmed, the writer behind the first three films of the Race franchise, has confirmed that the shooting of Race 4 will begin in January 2025. The script is almost complete, and with casting underway, the film is on track for a timely release. Ahmed also emphasized that the team is going back to the style and characters that made the first two Race films such massive hits.
Makers Aim to Revive the Franchise with Classic Elements
Race 3 may have made money, but it deviated from the tone and feel of the original films, which didn’t sit well with the audience. According to Ahmed, while Race 3 was a unique attempt, it didn’t align with what fans expected from the franchise. The inclusion of Salman Khan also meant that certain character choices were restricted, as his fans generally prefer to see him in heroic roles rather than negative ones.
By reconnecting Race 4 with the storyline of Race 1 and Race 2, the makers hope to recapture the thrilling essence that made the original films successful. With Saif Ali Khan back in the mix, and a stronger focus on the core elements of the franchise, Race 4 could be the film that reignites the series and brings it back to its former glory.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter, and with filming set to start in 2025, the return of Race is just around the corner.
