Saif Ali Khan in Race 3 to Akshay Kumar in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2: Actors Who Got Replaced in Sequels of Their Superhit Films

In the glamorous world of Bollywood, casting changes are often a common occurrence, even in the sequels of blockbuster movies. Such changes sometimes create a stir among fans and the actors involved. Here’s a closer look at some notable instances where leading actors were replaced in the sequels of their superhit films, starting from Saif Ali Khan’s replacement in Race 3 to Akshay Kumar’s in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2.

Saif Ali Khan in Race 3

The Race franchise, known for its twists and turns, witnessed a significant casting change in its third installment. Saif Ali Khan, who played pivotal roles in Race (2008) and Race 2 (2013), was replaced by Salman Khan in Race 3 (2018). This move came as a shock to many fans. Producer Ramesh Taurani revealed that Saif was unhappy with the decision, which was made as a business strategy due to Saif’s recent films not performing well at the box office. The decision paid off commercially, as Salman Khan’s star power drove Race 3 to a significant opening, despite mixed reviews.

Akshay Kumar in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2

Another major casting change occurred in the Bhool Bhulaiyaa series. Akshay Kumar's performance in Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) was widely acclaimed, making his character a memorable one. However, in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022), Akshay was replaced by Kartik Aaryan. The reason behind this change, as stated by writer Aakash Kaushik, was the story’s demand for a younger actor to appeal to the new generation. Despite mixed reactions from fans, Kartik managed to carve a niche for himself in the sequel, which had a successful run at the box office.

Abhishek Bachchan in Bunty Aur Babli 2

Bunty Aur Babli (2005), starring Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukerji, became a cult classic. However, in the sequel Bunty Aur Babli 2 (2021), Saif Ali Khan replaced Abhishek Bachchan. Reports suggested that Abhishek had a fallout with producer Aditya Chopra during the filming of Dhoom 3 (2013), leading to his replacement. While Rani reprised her role, the change in male lead did bring a fresh dynamic to the film, albeit with mixed reviews from the audience.

Nushrratt Bharuccha in Dream Girl 2

Nushrratt Bharuccha’s chemistry with Ayushmann Khurrana in Dream Girl (2019) won hearts, making the film a major success. However, fans were surprised when she was replaced by Ananya Panday in the sequel Dream Girl 2 (2023). Nushrratt expressed her disappointment in interviews, stating that she felt it was unfair. The makers, however, believed Ananya brought a new energy to the film, aligning with its evolved storyline.

Sharman Joshi in Golmaal Series

Sharman Joshi’s role as Laxman in Golmaal: Fun Unlimited (2006) was well-received. However, due to date issues, he was replaced by Shreyas Talpade in Golmaal Returns (2008) and the subsequent films in the series. Sharman expressed his hope to return in Golmaal 5, showcasing his continued interest in the beloved franchise.

Arshad Warsi in Jolly LLB 2

Arshad Warsi’s portrayal of Advocate Jagdish Tyagi in Jolly LLB (2013) was critically acclaimed. However, in the sequel Jolly LLB 2 (2017), Akshay Kumar took over the role. Fans were initially disappointed, but the film's success highlighted Akshay’s strong performance. Excitingly, Jolly LLB 3 promises a collaboration between Arshad and Akshay, much to the delight of fans.