Saif Ali Khan: Race 2 will not make you uncomfortable

If Abbas-Mustan's slick 2008 action thriller Race featured some bold themes, the sequel will be more universal in appeal, says Saif Ali Khan, one of the main lead actors of Race 2.

There's little wonder then, that the makers went for an even bigger cast this time around.

Set to release on January 25, the film stars Khan along side Anil Kapoor (the only two stars from the 2008 film), Deepika Padukone, John Abraham, Jacqueline Fernandes and Ameesha Patel.

The cast and directors let out some details at a promotional press conference held in Mumbai recently.
 
According to Saif, the sequel picks up almost immediately from the first film. "Race 2 starts almost the very second Race ends. You leave one frame and enter another, but it is not important for you to see the first part to enjoy the second part."
 
He added, "Race was quite a brave film. It had some crazy plot points and twists and turns but it was also an adult film. It had a lot of sex, husband and wife cheating on each other with the brother involved... it was a bold theme which was good for that film.

"But the producers and directors took a decision this time to make a more universal film, so this time we have got U/A certification mainly because this time there is better action, photography and glamour. It is a film that you can watch with your mother and children, there is nothing that will make you uncomfortable."

Talking about his role in the film, John Abraham said, "I like playing negative roles or grey shades. I will give the credit for this genre to my directors, as they are the best directors of this kind of film. When I heard the script, I loved it. My role was too good. It reminded me of Dhoom."
 
He praised his costar Saif. "The energy was so good on the sets. If you see the two of us together, you will understand that we had a great time as there was so much positive energy on the sets."
 
This is Deepika Padukone's fourth film with Saif, so when asked about their pairing, the bold actress replied, "I am told that our chemistry is good on screen."

Ameesha Patel, who has worked with Abbas-Mustan in Humraaz, felt working on their new film was like coming home again. 
 
When Anil Kapoor was asked if his Race character had gone any transformation, he said, "Like in the earlier film, I am eating lots of fruits. I am playing the same character like the last one, Robert D'Costa while Saif plays Ranveer, but the situations and story are different."

Meanwhile, Saif described Kapoor as an 'inspirational actor.'

"There is so much to learn from him. He is an example to all of us and a very positive person," he said.