Ahmed Khan on Welcome to the Jungle: 'Comedies bring people together'

As filming for his ambitious comedic entertainer Welcome to the Jungle moves into its next phase, Ahmed Khan is filled with joy. Filming of the movie commenced in December 2022 and features an eclectic ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Raveena Tandon, Disha Patani, and Arshad Warsi. Coordinating schedules with such a large roster of A-listers has made the road anything but smooth.

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Kashmir schedule for Welcome to the Jungle

Khan is currently preparing to make sure everything goes according to plan with the next schedule set in the picturesque locations of Kashmir. In an interview with Mid Day, he said that because there are many performers and they need to coordinate their schedules, he is currently making plans. Each performer is deeply engaged in their roles. Fortunately, though, they are all quite enthusiastic about this film. He also mentions that they have a worldwide itinerary.

Meanwhile, Welcome released in 2007; while Welcome Back saw the release in 2015.

While the Hindi film business struggles with unpredictable box office returns, Khan maintains a cautiously hopeful outlook. With such a large budget and a star-studded cast, the performance pressure is tremendous. Making a film that appeals to everyone is more difficult than ever, he concedes, due to the changing expectations of modern audiences.

Ahmed Khan's hope amid industry concerns

There used to be an art film, an action film, and a family film. People now assume that a single film will satisfy everyone. He said that they must also consider, "Will this work in South India?" There are individuals who prefer to view the content on a single screen, while others prefer to view it across multiple theatres. Therefore, they should consider these preferences. 

Additionally, there are rumblings that the film industry is struggling. But last year, five films each earned Rs. 500 million. They had no idea their industry might earn Rs. 500 crore! These days, a film is considered successful if it earns at least Rs. 700 crore. Fear is always present during filming. Nevertheless, their survival here is of utmost importance.

Promise of theatrical delight

Khan is confident in the timeless appeal of nostalgia and humour, despite the fluctuations in the industry. In his opinion, the genre's combination with a large budget and well-known actors might entice moviegoers to return to the theatres.

"Comedies bring people together. Big cast, big scale, great music, and laughter will bring people back to cinemas," he says firmly.

One of the most anticipated upcoming releases, Welcome to the Jungle combines comedy, legacy, and landscape.