Katrina in Tiger 3: Salman gets tough

Plans are in full swing for the launch of the third film in Salman Khan's blockbuster Tiger franchise with Yash Raj Films.

The film is expected to be launched in July.

While the first film Ek Tha Tiger was directed by Kabir Khan, the second Tiger Zinda Hai was helmed by Ali Abbas Zafar.

The third Tiger film will be directed by Maneesh Sharma of Band Baja Baaraat fame.

It is understood that in order to preserve the freshness of the franchise, there was a suggestion to change the leading lady, Katrina Kaif.

"After two Tiger films, Katrina was likely to replaced," a source tells Subhash K Jha.

"If you see, most of the franchise films in India retain the hero, but keep changing the heroine. But Salman put his foot down and insisted on Katrina for Tiger 3."

Earlier when the cast for Kick 2 was being locked, there was talk of replacing the original actor, Jacqueline Fernandez. Salman put his foot down there as well.