KKN Gurugram Desk | One of Bollywood’s most anticipated multi-starrer comedies, ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, starring Akshay Kumar, Raveena Tandon, Sanjay Dutt, and Suniel Shetty, appears to be in serious trouble. Originally announced with much fanfare in 2023 under the direction of Ahmed Khan, the film is now reportedly stuck in a financial crisis, with shooting schedules repeatedly cancelled and multiple actors allegedly leaving the project due to non-payment.

Big-Budget Comedy Hits Major Roadblock

‘Welcome to the Jungle’ was pitched as the next big installment in the popular Welcome franchise, produced by Firoz Nadiadwala. With a massive ensemble cast of 20 prominent Bollywood actors, the film generated significant buzz and was scheduled for a December 2024 release.

However, as of June 2025, only 60% of the film’s shooting has been completed, and the remaining 40% has faced multiple delays due to what insiders are calling a serious financial crunch.

Repeated Shoot Cancellations Frustrate Cast and Crew

According to reports by leading entertainment portals, the film’s production has been erratic over the past six months. At least two to three shooting schedules were abruptly cancelled, often at the last minute, leaving actors and their teams in a state of confusion and loss.

“Several actors had blocked dates exclusively for this film based on the producers’ commitments,” a source close to the production said. “But at the eleventh hour, the schedules were cancelled without notice. This left actors sitting idle, unable to take up other projects during that window.”

Such last-minute cancellations have led to mounting frustration among the cast, many of whom have reportedly begun questioning the future of the film.

Unpaid Dues Add to the Chaos

In addition to scheduling issues, the film has also defaulted on payments, not just to actors but also to their respective teams and staff. According to insiders, no payment has been made for the past several months, despite the film being on the floor for over 18 months.

“Around 60% of the film has been shot, but payments are still pending,” the source added. “This includes dues owed to actors, their staff, and technical crew.”

This financial uncertainty is making it increasingly difficult for the production to regain momentum, especially considering the high-profile nature of the cast involved.

Actors Begin to Walk Out of the Project

Unsurprisingly, the delays and non-payment issues have forced some actors to exit the project altogether. Others who are still attached to the film are reportedly doing so out of respect and emotional connection to the Welcome franchise, which has enjoyed cult status since its debut.

“It’s not easy to align the dates of 20 top actors for a single film. And when you keep cancelling schedules, it becomes nearly impossible,” the source explained.

Despite these challenges, a few dedicated cast members are said to be adjusting their schedules around other commitments in an effort to complete their portions of the film. However, with no concrete timeline for resumption of the next phase of filming, even this commitment may not last long.

What We Know About ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ So Far

• Director: Ahmed Khan

• Producer: Firoz Nadiadwala

• Cast: Akshay Kumar, Raveena Tandon, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, and others

• Original Release Target: December 2024

• Current Status: 60% shot; 40% pending

• Issues: Multiple shoot cancellations, non-payment of dues, actors dropping out

‘Welcome to the Jungle’ was intended to revive the franchise with new characters, slapstick humor, and the kind of chaotic ensemble storytelling that made the earlier films massive hits.

Impact on Akshay Kumar and the Franchise

For Akshay Kumar, who has been the face of several successful comedy franchises like Hera Pheri and Housefull, this delay comes as a reputational setback. The actor, known for his punctuality and professionalism, had reportedly cleared a busy schedule to shoot this film alongside other major 2025 releases.

Additionally, the film’s poor planning could tarnish the legacy of the Welcome series, which started with the 2007 blockbuster Welcome and was followed by Welcome Back in 2015. Both films were loved for their quirky characters and comic timing.

Financial Crisis: A Broader Problem in Bollywood?

The ongoing struggle with ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ is not an isolated incident. In recent months, several Bollywood films have faced similar issues—delayed payments, postponed shoots, and abandoned projects—signaling a broader financial instability within the industry.

With escalating production costs and uncertain box office returns in the post-COVID era, even star-studded projects are finding it difficult to stay afloat without strong financial backing.

What Happens Next?

The big question now is: Will ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ ever release?

As of now, no official statement has been released by the producers or the director. However, the film’s current condition suggests that unless immediate financial intervention or a co-production partner steps in, the film could face indefinite postponement—or worse, cancellation.

For the millions of fans who were waiting to see their favorite comedy icons reunite on screen, this comes as a major disappointment.

What was once promoted as Bollywood’s biggest comedy ensemble of the decade is now teetering on the edge of collapse. With Akshay Kumar’s ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ facing severe production and financial hurdles, it serves as a cautionary tale in an industry where even the biggest names can’t guarantee success without sound financial planning and execution.