Producer Ramesh Taurani has firmly dismissed rumors of Akshaye Khanna returning to the Race franchise, despite the actor’s recent blockbuster success with Dhurandhar.
Following the phenomenal box office performance of Dhurandhar, speculation surrounding Akshaye Khanna’s upcoming projects has reached fever pitch. Among the most persistent rumors is his potential comeback in Race 4, a claim that has now been categorically addressed by the franchise’s producer, Ramesh Taurani.
No Plans for Akshaye Khanna’s Return
The fourth installment of the high-octane Race franchise is currently in development, fueling speculation that original cast members Akshaye Khanna and Saif Ali Khan could reunite for the new chapter.
Setting the record straight, Taurani told, “No, we have not approached Akshaye. There was no scope at all.” When questioned whether the makers were considering reworking the storyline to accommodate the actor, the producer was equally emphatic, stating, “There is no thought about getting him. His character gets into an accident in the first movie, his track ended there, and it will remain at that.”
Khanna played the antagonist in the original Race (2008), with his character arc concluding in the film’s climax.
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Race 4 Cast Still Under Wraps
Industry buzz has suggested that Race 4 could feature either Saif Ali Khan’s return or Sidharth Malhotra taking on a leading role. However, Taurani dismissed these reports as premature speculation.
“No cast has been finalised till now. The work on the script is on,” the producer clarified, putting to rest the swirling casting rumors.
The Race franchise has undergone significant casting changes over the years. Race 2 (2013) introduced John Abraham as the antagonist, while Race 3 (2018) saw Salman Khan replace Saif Ali Khan in the lead role.
Dhurandhar’s Record-Breaking Run Continues
Meanwhile, Akshaye Khanna is basking in the unprecedented success of Dhurandhar. The film has collected a staggering Rs 871.90 crore at the domestic box office and continues its strong theatrical run.
The period drama features an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Sara Arjun, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Rakesh Bedi in pivotal roles, with Khanna’s performance receiving widespread critical acclaim.
As Race 4 remains in the scripting phase, fans will have to wait for official announcements regarding the film’s cast and production timeline.
