Akshay Kumar might play a cop in a forthcoming Hindi remake, after Salman Khan bowed out

Keeping in mind the limited number of films actors do these days, they are more cautious about not repeating roles.

It is learnt that after Salman Khan opted out of the remake of last year's Telugu hit Dookudu where he was supposed to play a cop (Salman's cop movie Dabangg 2 releases end of this year), Akshay Kumar is likely to play the role that was essayed by Mahesh Babu in the original film.

Well-placed industry sources tell us that after Salman opted out of the film, the makers of the original Telugu flick have zeroed upon Akshay.

"More so because he's one of the best action heroes around. Besides, his forthcoming film, Rowdy Rathore is itself a remake of the Telugu hit, Vikramarkudu, " says our source.

Kona Venkat, who wrote for the original Dookudu, Salman's Ready and is also scripting the sequel to No Entry, confirmed that Salman won't be replaying Mahesh Babu's role as a cop.

"Salman Bhai is doing Dabangg 2, in which he's playing a cop. So another cop role would be too repetitive, " he said, adding that they're now open to talking to other actors.

About Akshay being finalised, Venkat clamped up saying, "It's too early to say anything. Though the film fits in with Akshay's image as an action hero, I can say for sure only when things are finalised."

Did you know?

Reportedly, Mahesh Babu's Dookudu is said to be the biggest Telugu blockbuster, surpassing Ram Charan Teja's Magadheera, which netted Rs 60 crore.