It's Randeep over Emraan in Murder 3

After turning director, Vishesh Bhatt, after whom his uncle Mahesh and father Mukesh's production banner is named, has picked Randeep Hooda over Emraan Hashmi for Murder 3. Mukesh, says, "Vishesh has a mind of his own. He will not get influenced by the banner's casting pattern."

Mukesh claims Vishesh purposely sidestepped Emraan. "Working with Emraan would have created a commercially safe zone for my son. If Murder 3 clicks, all credit will go to Emraan and his current status at the box office. We are proud of Emraan's success but we now need to cultivate new talent."

Mukesh says he is happy with Vishesh's choice. "Randeep is a brilliant actor. He has proved himself in Jannat 2, where he held his own in spite of Emraan's presence. The real hero of my son's film is the script. Vishesh brings a global perception to our banner."

Murder 3 from the stable of Vishesh Films will be an intense love story starring Randeep and a newcomer as his leading lady. The actor is yet to be finalised.

Says Mukesh, "We need to zero in on the girl soon because Vishesh starts shooting in August. Murder 3 will be nowhere as gruesome and violent as the first two films in the Murder series. Vishesh has written a beautiful love story and it requires the depth that Randeep brings to it."

A source close to Vishesh Films informs that the Bhatts are not too pleased with Emraan's decision to explore other films at the cost of their projects. Says the source, "Murder 3 is a special project and it was offered to Emraan. But he is busy with other assignments. Randeep seemed like the next best choice."

Randeep says he is happy that the Bhatts have shown such faith in him. "Jannat 2 has been an eye-opener. I am surprised Emraan didn't choose my role. Why would he feel threatened by me? He's a huge star."u00a0