MUMBAI: The superstar who made the first two ‘Murder’ franchises a super hit, Emraan Hashmi will not be seen in the third installment of the film. And director Vishesh Bhatt says the audience won’t miss him either…!

The franchise began way back in 2004 with ‘Murder’, directed by Anurag Basu and which starred Hashmi and Mallika Sherawat in the lead roles. ‘Murder 2’ released in 2011 with Hashmi in the lead, but with Mohit Suri as the director and Jacqueline Fernandez playing the female lead. And now in 2013, in ‘Murder 3’ Randeep Hooda has replaced Emraan Hashmi. ‘Murder 3’ will star Aditi Rao Hydari as the leading lady alongside Pakistani actress Mona Lisa – now rechristened Sara Loren.

Debutant director Vishesh Bhatt, Mukesh Bhatt’s son says the audience will not miss actor Emraan Hashmi this time, as Randeep Hooda fits the bill perfectly for the third installment of the franchise.

Clarified Vishesh, “We have not replaced anyone. We felt for ‘Murder 3’ Randeep was the best choice. If you all miss Emraan Hashmi in the film then do let me know. But according to me you all will not miss Emraan in the film as Randeep is perfect for this film.” Vishesh said this at a press con in Andheri last night, unveiling the first look of ‘Murder 3’.

Randeep Hooda, Mahesh Bhatt and Aditi Rao Hydari accompanied Vishesh at the first look of ‘Murder 3’.

Vishesh further commented on the paradox: “When we were making films with Emraan, people started questioning why we have him in almost every film. And now that we don’t have him people ask why he is not there in the film. It is all about who suits the role. Like in case of ‘Jannat’, when I was writing the film it was meant for Emraan and so he did it,” the director said. ‘Murder 3’ will release on Valentine’s Day.