The shoot of Welcome to the Jungle, the much-anticipated third instalment in the Welcome franchise, has reportedly come to a temporary halt. Initial reports suggested that financial hurdles and non-payment of dues to the crew led to the production being suspended. However, a source close to the film has now stated that the break was prompted by the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir, where the remaining portions of the film were scheduled to be shot.
Directed by Ahmed Khan, the Akshay Kumar-led comedy boasts a massive ensemble cast featuring Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Anil Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Raveena Tandon, Disha Patani, and many more. With 70% of the shoot already completed, the final leg was set to be filmed in Kashmir. But the attack in Pahalgam forced the makers to rethink their plans.
A source associated with the production clarified, “The remaining 30% of the shoot was scheduled in Kashmir, but because of the unfortunate Pahalgam attack, the plan got pushed. The entire schedule was ready — helicopters, over 250 horses with horsemen, and 1,200 junior artists had been locked. Everything is on track.”
This comes in contrast to earlier reports by Pinkvilla, which claimed that the delay stemmed from financial strain, including pending payments to cast and crew. It also mentioned that some actors had allegedly exited the film due to these issues, while others remained committed out of loyalty to the franchise.
“The film has been on floors for over a year and a half now. There are issues of non-payment of dues to the actors and their staff. Some of the originally cast actors have exited the project, while others are still supporting it out of love for the franchise,” a source was quoted as saying in the report.
Despite these conflicting narratives, the producers remain optimistic. “All 34 actors are excited and set to commence the last marathon schedule,” an insider shared, noting that the remaining shoot will now take place at a new location once the monsoon subsides.
Initially slated for a Christmas 2025 release, the film has since been postponed, with a new release date yet to be announced. As conflicting reports swirl, fans remain hopeful that the beloved Welcome franchise will overcome these hurdles and deliver its next big-screen laugh riot soon.
