After Dhurandhar's Success, Akshaye Khanna To Return In Race 4? Producer Ramesh Taurani Breaks Silence

Dhurandhar Success Keeps Akshaye Khanna In The Spotlight

Following the blockbuster success of Dhurandhar, speculation around Akshaye Khanna's next movie has intensified. Among the most talked about rumours is his possible return to the Race franchise, a claim that has now been addressed by producer Ramesh Taurani.

No Plans To Bring Akshaye Khanna Back

The fourth part of the high octane Race franchise is currently under development, prompting chatter that Akshaye Khanna and Saif Ali Khan, both part of the original film, could reunite for the new chapter.

Clarifying the reports, the producer told HT City, "No, we have not approached Akshaye. There was no scope at all." When asked whether the makers were considering reworking the storyline to accommodate the actor, Taurani was equally clear, saying, "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."

Akshaye Khanna played the antagonist in Race (2008).

Cast Of Race 4 Remains Undecided

Rumours have also suggested that Race 4 could see the return of Saif Ali Khan or feature Sidharth Malhotra in a leading role. Taurani, however, dismissed these claims as well. Addressing the casting buzz, he stated, "No cast has been finalised till now. The work on the script is on."

Over the years, the Race series has seen major casting shifts. While Race 2 (2013) introduced John Abraham as the antagonist, Race 3 (2018) replaced Saif Ali Khan with Salman Khan in the lead role.

Meanwhile, Akshaye Khanna continues to ride high on the unprecedented success of Dhurandhar. The film has amassed a staggering Rs 871.90 crore at the domestic box office and shows no signs of slowing down. Alongside Khanna and Ranveer Singh, the film features Sara Arjun, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, and Rakesh Bedi in key roles.

The renewed interest in Akshaye Khanna’s career comes at a time when audiences are rediscovering his range as an actor. Known for choosing layered and often unconventional roles, Khanna has built a reputation for letting his performances speak louder than publicity. Dhurandhar has only strengthened that image, placing him firmly back in the spotlight.

The Race franchise, on the other hand, has always relied on scale, suspense, and shifting loyalties rather than continuity of characters. Each installment has taken a different creative turn, which explains why the makers are not keen on revisiting past storylines or resurrecting characters whose arcs have already concluded.

Industry observers note that Taurani’s comments suggest a clear intent to move forward rather than lean on nostalgia. While fan speculation often fuels reunion rumours, the production team appears focused on developing a fresh narrative that fits the evolving tone of the franchise.

The uncertainty around the Race 4 cast has only added to the curiosity. With no actors officially signed and the script still in progress, the project remains in its early stages. This phase allows the makers flexibility, but it also means that any casting reports should be treated with caution.

For Akshaye Khanna, the absence from Race 4 does little to slow his momentum. His recent success has opened doors to a wide range of projects, and insiders suggest that he is being selective, prioritising strong scripts over franchise appearances.

As Bollywood continues to balance big budget franchises with content driven cinema, both Race 4 and Dhurandhar represent different ends of the spectrum. One is a developing spectacle driven by anticipation, while the other is a proven success powered by performance and storytelling.

With official announcements still pending, fans will have to wait for concrete updates on Race 4. Until then, speculation may continue, but the producer’s statements make one thing clear. Akshaye Khanna’s chapter in the Race universe is firmly closed.

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Akshaye Khanna, Race 4, Race Franchise, Ramesh Taurani, Bollywood News, Dhurandhar, Hindi Cinema, Upcoming Movies, Film Industry Updates