"Anil Kapoor doesn't do too many films and since Race (2008), he has only done Tashan, Yuvvraaj and No Problem. That's an average of one film a year. Hence when Abbas-Mustan came to him with an idea of Race sequel, he had to be convinced that the role was indeed integral to the plot", informs a source.

Anil Kapoor's apprehension didn't quite come without any reasoning since in Race his character actually came only around the interval point. Though he did provide comic relief in the part of Robert D'Costa and also helped solve the mystery revolving around a crime, the film essentially belonged to Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna and Bipasha Basu.

"However, Anil Kapoor won't be playing second fiddle to anyone in the film", the source continues, "This time around he would be a part of Race 2 from beginning till the end. While John Abraham is the latest inclusion in this thrilling action drama and other newer characters played by Deepika Padukone, Jacqueline Fernandez and Ameesha Patel would also be joining in; Race 2 would begin exactly from the same point where Race ended."

In Race, characters played by Akshaye Khanna and Katrina Kaif had died in a car explosion and hence they are (but naturally) disposed off in the sequel. However, Bipasha Basu returns in a guest appearance along with Saif and Kapoor Sr.Informs our insider, "The plot begins with Anil Kapoor and Saif dividing all the money between them. They become super rich but then there are some ghosts from the past that return to haunt them. Moreover newer characters only add to the intrigue. Since Anil Kapoor is also a partner in this perfect crime, he is not just the senior most amongst the lot but also runs the fastest in this 'race'."

When contacted, Abbas-Mustan refused to comment on the story. Said Abbas Burmawala, "How can you expect me to talk about the plot so early in the day? It is a suspense thriller after all and every actor is there because he/she is integral to the plot."