The shoot of Welcome To The Jungle, the much-anticipated action-comedy featuring Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, and a star-studded ensemble, came to an unexpected pause this June—not because of payment disputes, but in response to a national tragedy. Despite earlier speculation suggesting financial delays, sources from the production have firmly clarified that the filming was suspended following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Out of respect for the lives lost and safety concerns for the crew, the team unanimously decided to halt the schedule planned in the valley.
Star-Studded Ensemble Cast (34 Actors):
Lead Roles:
- Akshay Kumar as Jay Bakshi
- Suniel Shetty
- Sanjay Dutt
- Raveena Tandon
Supporting Cast:
- Paresh Rawal (Returning as Dr. Ghunghroo)
- Arshad Warsi
- Jacqueline Fernandez
- Disha Patani
- Manushi Chhillar
- Johnny Lever
- Rajpal Yadav
- Tusshar Kapoor
- Shreyas Talpade
- Mika Singh, and many more
This makes Welcome To The Jungle one of the biggest multi-starrer comedy-action films in recent times.
Production Highlights
- Around 70% of the movie has been shot.
- A significant portion was planned in Pahalgam, Kashmir, but filming paused after the recent terror attack.
- The team is now exploring alternate scenic locations post-monsoon.
- Filming will resume once safety and permissions are secured.
- Despite the delay, the cast and crew remain fully committed to completing the film.
A crew member shared, “This wasn’t about money. It was about standing together as a team and as citizens of this country. Safety comes first, always.”
Welcome To The Jungle (2025) – Full Movie Details
Genre: Action | Comedy | Adventure
Language: Hindi
Director: Ahmed Khan
Writer: Farhad Samji
Producer: Firoz A. Nadiadwala
Production Banner: Base Industries Group
Franchise Installment: Third film in the Welcome series
Release Date: Initially set for Christmas 2025 (delayed due to recent events)
The makers plan to resume shooting once the monsoon subsides and necessary clearances are obtained. While the Kashmir shoot is currently off the table, the team is scouting for alternate locations that can mirror Pahalgam’s serene landscape. The entire ensemble—featuring 34 actors including Raveena Tandon, Disha Patani, Paresh Rawal, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Manushi Chhillar—remains committed and ready to return once filming resumes.
Directed by Ahmed Khan and written by Farhad Samji, Welcome To The Jungle follows police officer Jay Bakshi (Akshay Kumar) and his partner Sandhya as they hunt down the elusive criminal Raj Solanki. But the mission takes an unexpected turn as secrets from Jay’s past unravel, setting the stage for a high-octane blend of action, comedy, and suspense.
Originally aiming for a grand Christmas 2025 release, the project now faces a shift in its timeline. However, the makers assure that the spirit of the film remains strong. “All 34 actors are excited and aligned. We’re ready to hit the ground running once the situation improves,” said one of the producers.
For a franchise built on camaraderie, chaos, and charm, this temporary pause serves as a powerful reminder of Bollywood’s unity in times of adversity. Rather than pushing forward amid national mourning, Welcome To The Jungle stands as an example of how cinema can show compassion beyond the screen.
Why the Buzz?
- Third part of the hit Welcome series after Welcome (2007) and Welcome Back (2015)
- First time Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Sanjay Dutt share screen space in a Welcome film
- Combines action, slapstick comedy, emotion, and stunning visuals
- Massive cast appeals to a broad audience—youth, family, and mass market alike
Release Date Update
The film was earlier scheduled for a Christmas 2025 release. Due to delays caused by the Pahalgam incident and monsoon complications, the release date is expected to shift, but no official update has been provided yet.
