✅ Race 3 (2018) is a high-octane Bollywood action thriller that takes viewers on a whirlwind journey of deceit, betrayal, and high-stakes heists within a wealthy, dysfunctional family. Released in stunning high-definition formats, the film is optimized for seamless viewing across all modern devices including smartphones, tablets, and desktop platforms. With a storyline packed with twists, turns, and adrenaline-pumping action sequences, Race 3 promises to be a thrilling ride for fans of commercial Hindi cinema.
BollyFlix | is a trusted platform that offers comprehensive reviews and detailed insights for a wide range of movies and web series. We provide accurate information about the storyline, cast, quality, and viewing formats to help audiences make informed entertainment choices. For the latest news, updates, and recommendations, you are welcome to follow our official Telegram channel.
Race 3 (2018) – Movie Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix
Movie Details
- Full Name: Race 3
- Language: Hindi
- Budget: ₹1.85 billion (approx. US$27.5 million in 2018)
- Revenue: ₹3.03 billion (approx. US$45 million worldwide)
- Runtime: 2 hours 40 minutes (160 minutes)
- Release Date: June 15, 2018 (India)
- Genres: Action, Thriller, Crime
- Cast: Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Jacqueline Fernandez, Daisy Shah, Saqib Saleem, Freddy Daruwala, Sharat Saxena, Rajesh Sharma, Milind Gunaji
- Directors: Remo D’Souza
- Screenplay: Shiraz Ahmed
- Studios & Producers: Tips Industries, Salman Khan Films. Produced by Ramesh S. Taurani, Salman Khan, Salma Khan.
- Voice Cast: N/A (Live-action film)
- Animation & Style: Live-action, stylized action, commercial thriller
SCREENSHORT
Plot Summary
“Race 3” plunges viewers into the opulent and dangerous world of the Singh family, a powerful clan involved in illegal arms trade. Shamsher Singh (Anil Kapoor) is the patriarch, a shrewd and ruthless businessman who has built an empire from scratch. His family includes his step-son Sikander Singh (Salman Khan), who appears to be the loyal and trusted right-hand man, and his biological twins, Suraj (Saqib Saleem) and Sanjana (Daisy Shah), who harbor deep resentment and ambition beneath their glamorous facade. Completing this intricate web is Yash (Bobby Deol), Sikander’s closest associate and confidante, whose loyalty is constantly put to the test.
The narrative kicks off with a high-stakes heist involving a hard disk containing incriminating information that could blackmail influential Indian politicians. This mission is crucial for the family’s business interests. However, as the heist unfolds and new players like Jessica (Jacqueline Fernandez), a mysterious and alluring operative, enter Sikander’s life, the family’s internal dynamics begin to fracture. Each member seems to have their own hidden agenda and ulterior motives, leading to a series of double-crosses and betrayals that are characteristic of the “Race” franchise.
The core of the plot revolves around the deep-seated rivalry and distrust within the Singh family, particularly between Sikander and his step-siblings. The film frequently shifts between flashbacks and present-day events, slowly unraveling the complex history of their relationships and the reasons behind their strained loyalties. As they navigate daring action sequences, international locales, and constant backstabbing, the true intentions of each character come to light. The suspense builds as it becomes unclear who is truly on whose side, leading to a climax where all the hidden secrets are exposed, and the ultimate “winner” of the deadly race for power and wealth is revealed. The film focuses on themes of family loyalty, greed, and revenge, all set against a backdrop of fast cars, explosive action, and stylish cinematography.
Cast & Crew
The ensemble cast of “Race 3” features several prominent names from Bollywood, each bringing their star power to the high-octane thriller. Leading the charge is Salman Khan as Sikander Singh, who portrays a character known for his strength, cunning, and moral ambiguity. Khan’s presence drives much of the film’s commercial appeal, with his signature action sequences and intense persona. Anil Kapoor returns to the “Race” franchise as Shamsher Singh, the patriarch, bringing his seasoned acting prowess to a role that demands both authority and vulnerability. His performance provides a strong anchor for the family’s complex dynamics.
Bobby Deol, in a significant comeback role as Yash, offers a portrayal of conflicted loyalty and raw power, often engaging in intense action sequences alongside Khan. Jacqueline Fernandez, as Jessica, brings glamour and athleticism to her mysterious character, performing demanding stunts with flair. Daisy Shah and Saqib Saleem play the ambitious and often conniving twins, Sanjana and Suraj, adding to the film’s web of deceit. Their performances contribute to the internal conflicts that define the Singh family. Director Remo D’Souza, primarily known for his choreography and dance films, takes on the challenge of directing a large-scale action thriller, aiming to infuse it with his distinct stylistic vision. The combination of established stars and D’Souza’s direction aims to deliver a visually spectacular and commercially appealing cinematic experience, making the most of each actor’s strengths within the elaborate plot.
Critical & Audience Response
“Race 3” received a largely polarized, and often critical, reception upon its release, particularly from film critics. Many reviewers found the film’s screenplay to be its weakest link, citing a convoluted plot, illogical twists, and poorly written dialogue as significant drawbacks. Phrases like “our business is our business, none of your business” became a meme, reflecting the general sentiment regarding the script’s quality. Despite the lavish production values and high-octane action, critics often noted that the film lacked the coherent storytelling and genuine thrills of its predecessors in the “Race” franchise. Salman Khan’s performance, while bringing in the star power, was also subject to mixed reviews, with some finding it inconsistent with the demands of a complex thriller.
However, “Race 3” was a commercial success at the box office, particularly during its opening weekend, demonstrating the immense star power of Salman Khan and the strength of the Eid holiday release. Audience response was similarly divided; while Salman Khan’s fan base flocked to theaters, many general viewers and franchise fans expressed disappointment with the narrative and character development. The film’s action sequences and some of the songs were praised by a segment of the audience, but overall, the movie struggled to maintain positive word-of-mouth beyond the initial rush. It became a significant talking point regarding the balance between star power and critical acclaim in commercial cinema, solidifying its status as a divisive film in recent Bollywood history.
Direction & Cinematography
Remo D’Souza’s direction in “Race 3” aimed to deliver a visually grand and action-packed spectacle, characteristic of the franchise’s reputation. Having a background primarily in choreography, D’Souza focused heavily on stylized action sequences and elaborate production design, ensuring that the film looked sleek and expensive. He orchestrated large-scale stunts involving cars, explosions, and intricate fight choreography, attempting to elevate the visual grandeur of the series. The direction is evident in the film’s fast pace and its consistent effort to create high-impact moments, even if sometimes at the expense of narrative coherence. D’Souza tried to maintain the slick, glossy aesthetic that “Race” films are known for, emphasizing style over substance in many instances.
Ayananka Bose’s cinematography for “Race 3” plays a crucial role in shaping the film’s polished and high-budget appearance. Bose captures the luxurious settings, from sprawling mansions to exotic locales, with a keen eye for grandeur and visual opulence. The camera work is dynamic during action sequences, utilizing sweeping shots and fast cuts to convey speed and intensity. Lighting is often dramatic, with vibrant colors and sharp contrasts that enhance the film’s neo-noir aesthetic, particularly in the high-stakes heist scenes and nighttime pursuits. The use of slow-motion and various camera angles during fight sequences is a deliberate choice to highlight the scale and choreography of the action. While the cinematography effectively delivers on the visual spectacle, creating an appealing surface, it sometimes struggles to mask the underlying narrative weaknesses, ultimately serving the film’s stylistic ambitions more than its storytelling depth.
Music & Background Score
The music and background score of “Race 3” were integral to its commercial appeal, following the tradition of the franchise to deliver catchy tunes and an adrenaline-pumping score. The film features a collaborative musical effort with contributions from various composers including Jam8, Meet Bros, Vishal Mishra, Vicky-Hardik, and Shivay Vyas. The songs, such as “Heeriye” and “Allah Duhai Hai,” were widely promoted prior to the film’s release and achieved popularity, blending contemporary Bollywood pop with a touch of traditional influences. These tracks were designed to be foot-tapping and visually grand, serving as high points in the narrative, particularly during song-and-dance sequences that showcase the glamorous cast and elaborate sets.
The background score, a crucial element for any action thriller, aimed to amplify the tension and excitement. It incorporated pulsating beats, dramatic orchestral arrangements, and electronic elements to underscore the chases, fight scenes, and moments of betrayal. The score often utilized recurring motifs to link character themes and plot points, attempting to create a cohesive soundscape for the intricate narrative. While the songs were generally well-received for their commercial viability, the background score, much like the film itself, sometimes struggled to maintain a consistent tone or emotional depth, occasionally becoming overwhelming rather than enhancing the on-screen drama. Nevertheless, the music played a significant role in creating the overall “Race” brand experience, providing the expected blend of fast-paced rhythms and memorable tunes that are a hallmark of the series.
Visuals & Special Effects
“Race 3” heavily relied on its grand visuals and special effects to deliver a spectacle worthy of a high-budget Bollywood action thriller. The film aimed to create an immersive world of luxury, danger, and high-octane action, employing a significant amount of visual effects (VFX) to achieve its ambitious sequences. From elaborate car chases across deserts to explosive action set pieces and intricate fight choreography, the visual elements were designed to impress. The special effects were used to craft large-scale destruction, enhance stunts, and create dynamic environments that ranged from lavish private islands to bustling urban landscapes and desolate desert terrains.
The visual style of the film is characterized by its glossy finish, sharp imagery, and vibrant color palette. The use of CGI allowed for complex stunts that would be difficult or dangerous to achieve practically, contributing to the film’s larger-than-life feel. Explosions, digital enhancements for vehicles, and composite shots for intricate locations were all part of the visual strategy. While the ambition in visual effects was clear, some critics and audiences noted that the CGI occasionally appeared unpolished or unrealistic, detracting from the immersion. Despite these occasional shortcomings, the film’s visual and special effects were a key component of its commercial appeal, providing the expected adrenaline rush and stylized presentation that fans of the “Race” franchise anticipate, making it a feast for the eyes even if the narrative sometimes faltered.
Editing & Screenplay
The editing of “Race 3” by Steven Bernard, much like the film’s overall direction, is geared towards maintaining a high-energy pace and delivering constant thrills. The film features rapid cuts, particularly during action sequences, intended to heighten the excitement and keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The narrative frequently jumps between different timelines and perspectives, requiring a dynamic editing approach to keep the complex web of betrayals and reveals somewhat coherent. While the fast-paced editing contributes to the film’s frenetic energy, it sometimes struggles to provide sufficient breathing room for character development or emotional resonance, occasionally making the plot feel disjointed. Transitions are often sharp, designed to keep the momentum going from one action set piece or plot twist to the next.
Shiraz Ahmed’s screenplay for “Race 3” is perhaps the most debated aspect of the film. It attempts to weave a convoluted tale of family intrigue, betrayal, and high-stakes crime, replete with numerous twists and turns that are a hallmark of the “Race” series. However, many critics and viewers found the script to be overly complicated, illogical, and lacking in genuine emotional depth. The dialogue, at times, was heavily criticized for being uninspired and, in some cases, unintentionally comical, leading to popular memes. While the screenplay successfully lays out a series of plot devices and reveals, its execution often falters, relying heavily on exposition and improbable events to drive the narrative forward. Despite its ambitious attempts at complexity, the script often comes across as superficial, prioritizing shock value and style over a tightly written, engaging storyline.
Positives / What Works
“Race 3,” despite its polarized reception, certainly has elements that worked effectively, particularly for its target audience. The most significant positive is undoubtedly its sheer scale and the high-octane action sequences. The film delivers on the promise of a grand spectacle with elaborate car chases, intense hand-to-hand combat, and large-scale explosions that are visually impressive and keep the adrenaline pumping. The production value is notably high, showcasing luxurious settings and stylish cinematography that give the film a glossy, international feel. Salman Khan’s star power is another undeniable strength; his massive fan base contributed significantly to the film’s box office success, proving his commercial draw regardless of critical reception.
The ensemble cast, featuring prominent names like Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, and Jacqueline Fernandez alongside Khan, adds to the film’s appeal, bringing their individual charisma to the screen. Anil Kapoor, in particular, delivers a solid performance that anchors the family drama. The songs, such as “Heeriye” and “Allah Duhai Hai,” were popular and contributed to the film’s overall commercial success, providing catchy musical breaks within the action. For viewers primarily seeking a no-holds-barred action entertainer with a heavy dose of star power and thrilling visuals, “Race 3” delivered on its promise. It’s a film that leans into its commercial sensibilities, providing a fast-paced, visually rich experience for those looking for pure escapism and spectacle.
Negatives / What Doesn’t Work
While “Race 3” had its strengths, it faced considerable criticism for several key areas that didn’t work. The most significant negative was its screenplay, which was widely panned for being convoluted, illogical, and filled with an excessive number of unconvincing twists that often defied common sense. The narrative often felt disjointed, struggling to maintain a coherent flow amidst the numerous betrayals and double-crosses, making it difficult for audiences to invest emotionally in the characters or plot. The dialogue, in particular, became a point of ridicule for its simplistic and often clichéd nature, with lines that went viral for the wrong reasons.
The performances, despite the star power, also received mixed reviews. While the actors brought their charisma, many critics felt that the script didn’t allow for much depth, resulting in one-dimensional portrayals. Salman Khan’s performance, while a box office draw, was criticized by some for lacking the intensity or nuance required for the thriller genre. The film’s reliance on excessive style over substance meant that while the action sequences were grand, they often felt gratuitous and lacked a genuine sense of peril or emotional stakes. The plot holes were numerous, and the convenience of certain events strained credulity. Ultimately, “Race 3” struggled to balance its ambition for a big-budget action spectacle with a compelling and well-written story, leading to a film that many found to be a disappointing installment in the popular “Race” franchise.
Final Verdict / Conclusion
“Race 3” is a film that epitomizes the phrase “style over substance.” While it delivers on its promise of high-octane action, lavish visuals, and star power, its execution is significantly hampered by a convoluted and often illogical screenplay. The film attempts to weave an intricate web of family betrayal and high-stakes crime, but the numerous twists and turns frequently sacrifice narrative coherence for shock value, resulting in a plot that is difficult to follow and emotionally disengaging. Despite the earnest efforts of the ensemble cast, particularly Salman Khan, the characters often feel underdeveloped, their motivations unclear, and their actions driven more by plot convenience than by genuine character arcs.
Director Remo D’Souza brings a visual flair to the action sequences and songs, making “Race 3” a spectacle in terms of production design and choreography. The film is undeniably grand in scale, with impressive stunts and slick cinematography. However, these visual strengths cannot fully compensate for the weak writing and the lack of a compelling, cohesive story. For fans solely seeking a fast-paced action entertainer with their favorite stars and not overly concerned with logical plot progression or deep character development, “Race 3” might offer some fleeting entertainment. However, for those who appreciate a well-crafted thriller with intelligent plotting and strong performances, “Race 3” proves to be a largely disappointing and forgettable entry in the genre, relying too heavily on its commercial elements.
Movie Rating
Rating (Stars) | Score (Out of 5) |
⭐⭐ | 2.0 |
Trailer
FAQs
Who are the main actors in "Race 3"?
The film features an ensemble cast including Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Jacqueline Fernandez, Daisy Shah, and Saqib Saleem.
Who directed "Race 3"?
"Race 3" was directed by Remo D'Souza.