Bollywood’s adrenaline-pumping Race franchise is revving up for its fourth installment, and it’s official: Sidharth Malhotra is joining Saif Ali Khan to lead the charge. The announcement dropped today, April 5, 2025, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown in Race 4, produced by Tips Films. With production slated to kick off in June, fans are already gearing up for a return to the twisty, stylish world that made the series a hit—and a chance to erase the sour taste of Race 3.
The news broke through trade circles and was confirmed by producer Ramesh Taurani in an interview with Times of India. “We’re thrilled to have Sidharth join Saif,” he said. “The script’s locked, and we’re ready to roll in June.” Writer Shiraz Ahmed, the pen behind every Race film, has been teasing this pairing since September 2024, promising a story that picks up where Race 2 left off—sidestepping the Salman Khan-led third chapter that stumbled despite its box office haul. This time, it’s all about two heroes locking horns, and the buzz is electric.
Saif Ali Khan’s no stranger to the Race game. He owned the first two films—Race (2008) and Race 2 (2013)—as Ranvir Singh, a slick, shady character navigating betrayals with flair alongside Akshaye Khanna and John Abraham. Directed by Abbas-Mustan, those movies raked in ₹103 crore and ₹162 crore worldwide, respectively, making Saif the heart of the franchise’s early success. Race 3 in 2018 swapped him for Salman, pulling ₹295 crore globally but leaving fans cold with its messy plot. Now, Saif’s back in the driver’s seat, ready to reclaim his spot, with Sidharth stepping up as his rival.
Sidharth Malhotra’s a fresh face for Race, but he’s bringing serious cred. Known for action-packed turns in Shershaah and Yodha, plus a smooth charm from A Gentleman, he’s tailor-made for the franchise’s mix of thrills and glamour. Insiders say he’s been a fan of the Race vibe for years, and this role pits his intense energy against Saif’s cunning style. “It’s a pure two-hero film,” a source close to the project told Pinkvilla last August. “Both characters have shades of gray—perfect for the Race world.”
The excitement’s palpable. This pairing promises a return to the high-stakes, two-star showdowns that defined the series’ golden days—think Saif’s sly moves clashing with Sidharth’s raw power. Taurani’s keeping the director’s chair a mystery for now—rumors swirl about Abbas-Mustan coming back, though Nikhil Advani’s name has floated too—but he’s hinted at a stacked ensemble, with talks of leading ladies like Kiara Advani or Kriti Sanon joining the ride. The script’s been polished to deliver the signature Race twists, and the team’s aiming for a big holiday release, possibly Independence Day 2026.
Not everyone’s sold, of course. Some fans worry Sidharth might not match Saif’s seasoned swagger, while trade skeptic Kamaal R. Khan has called it a risky move that could “destroy” Sidharth’s career. But the optimism’s drowning out the doubts so far. With filming just months away, Race 4 is shaping up as a high-octane reboot—Saif’s shot at recapturing his throne, Sidharth’s chance to prove he belongs in the fast lane. Buckle up—this race is about to get wild.