Ahmed Khan’s upcoming film, Welcome to the Jungle, has been in production for some time now, having officially commenced shooting in December 2023. The film features an impressive multi-starrer cast, including Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Suniel Shetty, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, and more. Originally slated for a Christmas 2024 release, the film has faced delays due to various issues.
Recent reports indicate that the film is encountering further complications, particularly due to financial conflicts. According to Pinkvilla, multiple shooting schedules for Welcome to the Jungle have been canceled at the last minute over the past six months, including the June schedule. A source revealed, “Around two to three schedules have been canceled, leaving the actors and their teams confused about the film’s prospects. The actors were allocating dates for the shoot to producer Firoz Nadiadwala, but these were canceled last minute due to logistical and financial issues, leaving them at home during that time.”
Currently, approximately 60 percent of the film has been completed, with 40 percent still pending. “The film has been in production for over a year and a half. There are also ongoing issues regarding the non-payment of dues to both actors and their staff. While some original cast members have exited the project, others remain committed out of love for the franchise, believing in the legacy of Welcome and adjusting their schedules to help complete Welcome to the Jungle.”
With a cast of over 20 stars, coordinating shoot dates has become increasingly challenging. A source noted, “Initially, every actor was enthusiastic, but the repeated cancellations have led to frustration. This not only wastes time but also incurs financial losses, as those dates could have been utilized for other films or brand commitments. In contrast, Housefull 5, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, had a seamless shooting schedule, while the planning for Welcome to the Jungle, under Firoz Nadiadwala, has been inconsistent.”
In related news, Sanjay Dutt has reportedly opted out of Welcome to the Jungle after shooting for about 15 days. A source close to the situation shared, “Dutt cited scheduling conflicts for his exit. He has communicated his concerns to his friend Akshay Kumar, who understands and holds no hard feelings. Dutt expressed that the shooting was unplanned and involved too many script changes, which disrupted his schedule, leading to his decision to part ways with the project.”
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