In a notable development from Bollywood, sources reveal that producer Ramesh Taurani is in advanced discussions with actor Sidharth Malhotra for the highly anticipated fourth installment of the high-octane action thriller franchise, Race. Following recent confirmations regarding Saif Ali Khan’s return, the parallel lead is expected to be finalized shortly.
The popular Yodha actor, Sidharth Malhotra, has shown significant interest in the franchise, which is known for its rapid pace and gripping plot twists. Malhotra, an enthusiast of the Race series, is reportedly thrilled with the concept being developed by Taurani’s creative team. Staying true to the core elements that have defined the series, Race 4 will revolve around an intense clash of wits, cunning strategies, and an ultimate confrontation between the two male leads.
Over the years, the Race franchise has established a formula of intense rivalry and unexpected plot shifts. The inaugural film in 2008 saw Saif Ali Khan share the screen with Akshaye Khanna, leading to a memorable face-off. Race 2 continued the legacy in 2013 with Saif Ali Khan and John Abraham locking horns, while Race 3 in 2018 brought in the heavyweights with Salman Khan and Bobby Deol. This time, it appears Sidharth Malhotra will take on Saif Ali Khan, promising a new dynamic to the series.
Each character in the Race films has shades of grey, adding a layer of complexity and intrigue. Race 4 intends to introduce novel twists and fresh narrative directions to rejuvenate and propel the franchise forward. Producer Ramesh Taurani is eager to commence filming, aiming for a mid-2025 start if all elements fall into place. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether Anil Kapoor, who played a pivotal role in mediating the conflicts in previous installments, will reprise his role.
In other news, there is considerable buzz within Bollywood about another exciting collaboration.
. Akshay Kumar and Jacqueline Fernandez, who are already co-starring in Welcome to the Jungle, are rumored to team up yet again for Sajid Nadiadwala’s Housefull 5. The actors have an extensive history with the Housefull series, which has been led by Akshay Kumar since its conception. Although Jacqueline’s initial involvement in the 2010 Housefull film was limited to a song appearance, she later featured prominently, paired with John Abraham in Housefull 2 (2012) and Akshay himself in Housefull 3 (2016).
The cast for Housefull 5, to be directed by Tarun Mansukhani, will include longtime series regulars like Riteish Deshmukh, as well as Abhishek Bachchan, Fardeen Khan, and Nana Patekar. Filming is set to begin soon, with an elaborate 45-day shooting schedule on a cruise liner, promising an adventurous setting for the comedy caper.
Alongside, there’s a simmering project that has captured attention. Filmmaker Luv Ranjan has been planning a biographical film on former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly for the past couple of years. Initially, the talented Ayushmann Khurrana was onboard to portray the cricket legend. Following the departure of initial director Aishwaryaa Rajinikanth from the project, Vikramaditya Motwane appeared to take the helm.
However, the biopic has stalled, and recent rumors suggest that Ayushmann Khurrana has stepped back from the role. The actor cited reasons such as the overwhelming number of biopics being produced recently and his swamped schedule. Khurrana has also opted out of other films like Border 2 and Meghna Gulzar’s upcoming project, reportedly due to date conflicts and a reluctance to play secondary roles.
For now, Ayushmann Khurrana’s schedule includes Karan Johar and Guneet Monga Kapoor’s spy comedy and Dinesh Vijan’s vampire comedy, showcasing his versatility and commitment to diverse genres in his upcoming projects.
Overall, the announcements and speculations around these big Bollywood projects hint at an exciting year ahead for cinema enthusiasts, promising fresh storylines, star-studded casts, and a plethora of entertainment.
