'We get away with a lot' - Saif

Saif Ali Khan's latest release Race 2 has just entered the 100 crore club and on the heels of this success, the actor has agreed to star in the third instalment of the hit franchise. Although other details are yet to be locked in, we have learned that writer Shiraz Ahmed is already working on the story.

Saif confirms the news saying, "I have agreed to do it. Rameshji (Taurani, the producer) and I have a very strong understanding. I am more in touch with Jay Shewakraman (creative producer of Race 2) than Rameshji.

Ask Saif Ali Khan if he is happy with Race 2's success and he says," I am going through mixed feelings. Of course, it's exciting to have a 100 crore film under your belt, but I feel we got away with a lot of things. The first half was very slick and impressive while the second half seems a bit far-fetched."

Talking about the third part, Saif adds," It's a very cool world to make a movie in; provided the script is impressive."

Interestingly the Nawab is already focused on the story and screenplay of the next film. "Let's see what Shiraz Ahmed comes up with. I have also forwarded a few scripts, which came to my production house," he says.

Any plans to celebrate Race 2's success? "I honestly feel that the earnings of Race 2 could have gone up to 140 crore, but I don't see a strong reason to celebrate. At the same time, I feel that things could have been worse. Anyway throwing parties feel very gimmicky these days," says Saif, adding, "But I am happy that I have got the biggest hit of my career."

…but Race 3 will be impactful, claims Saif Ali Khan as he confirms doing the third installment

Saif Ali Khan who entered the Rs 100 crore club with his most recent release Race 2 has been signed for the next installment of the Abbas Mustan thriller. Confirming that he will be a part of the franchisee for the third time, Saif says, "Yes, I am doing Race 3." Admitting that Race 2 could have been better, he adds, "We all felt that Race 2 was a little plastic, so we are working towards making the third one more impactful. It will have more substance to meet the style." The actor's currently busy with Tigmanshu Dhulia's Bullet Raja that sees him break away from his suave image. "It's no Omkara, but we are close," he says.

But ask him about the sequel of Agent Vinod and he says that though spy thrillers have great potential, he won't be seen reprising that role anytime soon. "AV sequel will not happen. I'm heartbroken by the first one. I think it had the wrong mixes of style," he says upfront.

Race 2 has made more than ? 100 crore. How important is that for you as an actor?

The numbers are important. You have to know why you are getting into this. You don't expect it from a film like Being Cyrus. I did that film to enhance my portfolio. It depends on how and what you want in life. Race 2 had to make money. We don't do such films just for artistic integrity. It also requires conviction, as some of the dialogues are pretty difficult to believe in.

From another interview

You've started the year on a good note with Race 2 making it to the Rs 100-crore club'

Box office is important. I am happy that there is a growth in my work from Love Aaj Kal to Agent Vinod ' even though it didn't do well ' and then Cocktail that did well. Now Race 2 has done very well. I believe that you have to live your life well balanced' you have to do good work' you have to work with different people. Some things will work and some won't, but you take that in your stride, right?

As an actor, I now feel that I should work in entertaining films that are also designed to make money. It's just the way I am feeling now. If someone tells me to do a film that has no songs, I might not be interested in doing it today' unless it's a great role.

See, anyway we can do only two or three films a year, so why do something that will not make so much money? Maybe what I am thinking isn't right, but that's what I feel right now. My choices at this time will be purely commercial. I have already done multiplex films' now I want to tap into my single-screen audience.