Will Hrithik Roshan replace Salman Khan in Race 3 due to availability of dates?

It is a well-known fact now that Saif Ali Khan will not be a part of the next installment of the filmmaker duo Abbas-Mustan’s suspense action thriller franchise Race. According to a report by Filmfare, Saif expressed disappointment in the execution of Race 2 and echoed the popular sentiment that the film failed to live up to the standards of its critically acclaimed sequel. [caption id=“attachment_3098452” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Hritik Roshan might replace Salman Khan in Race 3. Images courtesy: News 18[/caption] With Saif out of Race 3, rumors were rife that the makers were considering Salman Khan for the lead role. However, DNA reports that Salman’s date calendar is packed as he is working for two upcoming films consecutively. He is currently shooting for the historical war drama Tubelight, based on the 1962 Sino-Indian War, where he will star opposite Chinese actor Zhu Zhu. He has also signed Tiger Zinda Hai which is the sequel to Kabir’s 2012 action thriller Ek Tha Tiger. He will star opposite Katrina Kaif in the film. Since he will be occupied with shooting for the entire 2017, it will be difficult for him to make a commitment to Abbas-Mustan. After all, he also has Dabangg 3, the third installment of the comedy action drama franchise, in the pipeline, which he might push for an Eid 2018 release. Had Salman signed Race 3, it would have been his second film with Abbas-Mustan after the 2001 romantic drama Chori Chori Chupke Chupke.  India Today now reports that Hritik Roshan might replace Salman in Race 3. As far as dates are concerned, it does not seem like a problem for Roshan as he has many months to go before he starts shooting for Krrish 4, the fourth installment of his father Rakesh Roshan’s superhero franchise. The report suggests that Roshan will have time to spare for Race 3 after completing the promotions of his next action drama Kaabil opposite Yami Gautam. However, since Roshan has consciously decided to do three to four films in two years now, he has some tough choices to make. After his last film, Ashutosh Gowariker’s period action drama Mohenjo Daro tanked at the box office, perhaps he should have a word with Saif Ali Khan before he signs Race 3.