“Welcome to the Jungle,” the third movie in the popular Welcome comedy franchise, debuted to much fanfare in late 2023, and with an ensemble cast that includes Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Suniel Shetty, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, and friends on board, fans were ready for a belly-laughing ride with the usual Welcome hysteria and comedy.
However, fast-forward six months after the launch, and the anxious followers of the film are in trouble.
A Brief History of Events: The Delays That Rocked the Jungle
Filming for the project began in December 2023, and it was announced for a Christmas 2024 release. But since then, the journey has been anything but smooth. According to sources close to the production, Welcome to the Jungle has had two to three shooting schedules canceled in the past six months alone. A recent schedule slated for June 2025 was also abruptly called off.
News of last-minute cancellations has obviously left the actors and crew in a pickle. With the ensemble lead cast allocating pre-determined dates, the refund changes and cancellations have created a logistical mess, not to mention financial loss. Those pre-allocation dates could have easily covered their lost dates with another film commitment or brand act.
Financial Conflicts & Logistical Snags
So what is the problem? Based on the Pinkvilla exclusive, the basis of the issues seems a priori to be financially related. Producer Firoz Nadiadwala is reportedly facing logistical and financial hurdles that have created issues for the shoot. Who is the lead producer? Not only have shooting schedules been canceled, but there are also alleged non-payment issues concerning some actors and their teams.
A source familiar with the developments revealed, “Around 60 percent of the shoot is already complete, but the remaining 40 percent is hanging in uncertainty. Some actors have even opted out of the project due to lack of clarity and professionalism on the production front.”
Despite these setbacks, the majority of the cast remains attached to the film out of loyalty to the franchise. “They’re emotionally invested in the Welcome brand,” the source added, “and they believe the script of Welcome To The Jungle is genuinely hilarious. That’s what’s keeping them hopeful.”
A Star-Studded Cast, A Scheduling Nightmare
With over 20 actors part of the cast, getting everyone to align their dates for the shoot was already a monumental task. But the repeated cancellations have made it nearly impossible to reschedule in a streamlined manner. Actors who were originally enthusiastic about being in the film are now reportedly unhappy about the disorganized nature of the production.
The chaos has been likened to Housefull 5, another multi-starrer film with a budget of, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, which had 20 actors. Unlike Welcome To The Jungle, however, Housefull 5’s planning and execution have been reportedly smooth, highlighting the difference effective production leadership can make.
“Actors were given clear shoot windows, and everything was conducted with precision on Housefull 5. But Welcome To The Jungle seems to be struggling with basic scheduling,” the insider noted.
What’s Next for Welcome to the Jungle?
As it stands, there is no confirmed date for the next leg of the shoot. Even Akshay Kumar, who leads the cast, is said to be waiting for clarity from Firoz Nadiadwala and the team. With 40 percent of the film still pending and coordination issues plaguing the production, a Christmas 2024 release seems highly unlikely.
Industry insiders speculate that the film might not see the light of day before the end of 2025, if at all. All is not lost, though. While the situation is clearly messy, the parts of the film that have already been shot apparently have the slapstick and ridiculousness that the audiences associate with the Welcome franchise.
Fans Await in Hope
Welcome is one of the most beloved comedic franchises in Bollywood. The first Welcome movie came out in 2007 and became an instant classic, and the sequel, Welcome Back, made in 2015, continued the madness. Welcome to the Jungle had a lot of anticipation as well, especially with the returning original cast and new actors being added to the mix.
Fans have consistently taken to social media to ask about the film’s status, hoping for official updates and some light at the end of the tunnel. For now, they must wait with fingers crossed.
Final Word
The comedy may be scripted, but the drama behind Welcome to the Jungle is all too real. With financial troubles, logistical disarray, and unclear timelines, the film is far from the finish line. Yet, the loyalty of the cast and the strong script could be the silver lining that pulls this project through.
Here’s hoping that the stakeholders can come together, resolve the issues, and deliver the third Welcome film fans have been eagerly waiting for. After all, Bollywood could certainly use a good laugh, and Welcome to the Jungle just might be worth the wait.