Saif Ali Khan and Sidharth Malhotra Set to Begin Filming for Race 4 This January

The much-loved *Race* franchise is set to return with its fourth installment, *Race 4*, and fans are eagerly awaiting the explosive action. The franchise, known for its high-octane sequences, intense drama, and unexpected plot twists, is gearing up to bring back the thrills once again. The news of a fourth *Race* film is no longer a secret, and excitement has only heightened with the announcement of Saif Ali Khan’s return to the franchise, along with a fresh addition—Sidharth Malhotra. This marks the first time the two actors will share the screen together, adding a new layer of anticipation for the audience.

### Saif Ali Khan’s Return to *Race*

Saif Ali Khan has been a crucial part of the *Race* franchise, starring in the first two films, *Race 1* (2008) and *Race 2* (2013). His character, Ranvir Singh, became iconic, with his suave demeanor and knack for outsmarting everyone around him. Both films were commercially successful, making Saif synonymous with the series' high-stakes game of deception and betrayal. However, the third installment, *Race 3* (2018), saw Salman Khan take over the lead role, while Saif exited the franchise.

The return of Saif Ali Khan to *Race 4* has fans excited, especially as the film will reportedly continue the storyline and universe established in the first two installments. His re-entry suggests a return to the roots of the franchise, with the cool and calculative Ranvir Singh character expected to make a grand comeback. Saif’s involvement also hints that *Race 4* will aim to restore the edgy, slick style of storytelling that the audience loved in the first two films.

### Sidharth Malhotra Joins the Action

The *Race* franchise has always been known for its ensemble casts, and this time, Sidharth Malhotra is stepping into the action-packed world. The actor, known for his performances in *Shershaah*, *Ek Villain*, and *Marjaavaan*, is the new addition to *Race 4*, adding fresh energy to the mix. Sidharth’s involvement brings a new dynamic to the film, as he shares the screen with Saif for the first time, and their on-screen chemistry is something fans are looking forward to seeing.

Sidharth Malhotra’s entry into the franchise also reflects the evolution of the series. As a younger action star with a proven track record in delivering intense performances, Sidharth's inclusion suggests that *Race 4* will feature a balance between seasoned veterans and new faces. His presence indicates a shift in the action narrative, with audiences anticipating a fresh take on the high-stakes world of *Race*.

### Shiraz Ahmed’s Return as Writer

One of the key reasons behind the success of the *Race* series has been the sharp and unpredictable scripts, and much of the credit goes to writer Shiraz Ahmed, who has been with the franchise since its inception. Ahmed has crafted the intricate plots and labyrinthine twists that have become a trademark of the *Race* films. For *Race 4*, Ahmed is back to continue the story, ensuring that the narrative remains as thrilling as ever.

In a recent interview with *Bollywood Hungama*, Shiraz Ahmed confirmed that *Race 4* will go on floors in January 2025. He also confirmed the casting of Saif Ali Khan and Sidharth Malhotra, noting that the rest of the cast would be revealed later by the producers, Tips Films, in a formal announcement. According to Ahmed, the film will delve back into the world that was established in the first two installments, signaling a return to the suspenseful and thrilling atmosphere that made the series a hit.

Ahmed’s involvement in the fourth film indicates that the franchise will maintain its signature style of storytelling—unpredictable twists, complex characters, and a fast-paced narrative. His expertise in crafting engaging and suspenseful stories ensures that *Race 4* will have the same level of intrigue and excitement as its predecessors.

### Plot Details and Continuation of the Franchise

While much of the plot for *Race 4* remains under wraps, Shiraz Ahmed has hinted that the film will build on the events and characters from *Race 1* and *Race 2*. This implies that Saif Ali Khan’s character, Ranvir Singh, will likely play a pivotal role, continuing his journey from where it left off in the second film.

Fans of the franchise have been eager to see where the story goes, especially after the third installment shifted focus away from Saif’s character. The decision to return to the original storyline suggests that *Race 4* will revive the core essence of the series—rivalries, revenge, and intricate betrayals. With the return of familiar faces and the introduction of new characters, *Race 4* is poised to deliver a gripping narrative that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

### High Expectations for *Race 4*

Producer Ramesh Taurani, who has been the driving force behind the *Race* franchise, is reportedly confident that *Race 4* will surpass the previous films in terms of scale and grandeur. According to a source close to the project, Taurani and his team have immense faith in the potential of the fourth film, especially with the return of Saif Ali Khan and the addition of Sidharth Malhotra.

The *Race* series has always been known for its high-octane action sequences, sleek production design, and glamorous settings, and *Race 4* is expected to be no different. In fact, reports suggest that the fourth installment will be on an even larger scale than its predecessors, with more elaborate stunts, exotic locations, and a bigger ensemble cast.

### A Look Back at the *Race* Franchise

The *Race* franchise began in 2008 with the first film, directed by Abbas-Mustan, which introduced audiences to a world of double-crosses, twists, and power plays. Starring Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Bipasha Basu, and Katrina Kaif, the film became a sleeper hit and established itself as a new-age thriller with a unique style.

The success of the first film led to *Race 2* in 2013, which saw Saif Ali Khan return as Ranvir Singh, joined by an ensemble cast that included John Abraham, Deepika Padukone, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Anil Kapoor. Like its predecessor, *Race 2* was a box office hit, continuing the tradition of unpredictable plot twists and thrilling action.

In 2018, *Race 3* marked a shift in the franchise, with Salman Khan taking over the lead role and the film focusing more on action than intrigue. While *Race 3* was a commercial success, it received mixed reviews from fans and critics, with many noting the absence of the clever twists that defined the earlier films.



With *Race 4* set to begin shooting in January 2025, the franchise is ready to return to its roots, bringing back the suspense, action, and intricate plotting that made the earlier films a hit. The combination of Saif Ali Khan’s return, Sidharth Malhotra’s fresh presence, and Shiraz Ahmed’s sharp writing promises a thrilling new chapter in the *Race* saga. Fans of the franchise can look forward to a film that not only pays homage to the original *Race* films but also takes the story to new heights, with bigger action sequences, more complex characters, and a larger-than-life narrative.