Akshay Kumar led Welcome To The Jungle director Ahmed Khan talks about box office pressure: ‘Now one movie is expected to serve all’

Akshay Kumar is all set to rule another year with 2025, as the star has a slew of movies lined up for his fans. One of the most anticipated among them is, of course, the ensemble drama Welcome to the Jungle, which is said to be the third film in the Welcome franchise. Directed by Ahmed Khan, the movie stars an entire village led by Kumar and features almost every comedy talent in the country. The makers have been filming the movie with Lara Dutta, Arshad Warsi, Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Raveena Tandon, and more since last year. Now, Khan has opened up about the final schedules of the film and the pressure that comes with its box-office expectations. Read on to know everything you should about the same.

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Ahmed Khan on the Final Leg of Welcome to the Jungle

Director Ahmed Khan is currently gearing up for the final leg of Welcome to the Jungle, one of the most anticipated movies of the year. Talking about the film, he shares that comedies have a clear edge in today’s struggling box-office climate. The shoot for the star-studded film featuring Phir Hera Pheri trio Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal with Raveena Tandon, Radhe fame Disha Patani, Arshad Warsi, and many more began in December 2023. Since then, filming has moved forward in phases, largely due to the challenge of coordinating dates with such a large ensemble cast. Despite the logistical hurdles, Ahmed remains upbeat and focused as the film heads into its final stretch.

With the next leg slated to roll in Kashmir and the UAE, the director says, “I’m planning my schedule now because there are so many actors and we have to bring all of them together. They are all so busy. But the good thing is that they all are excited about this movie. We have an international schedule too.”

He also reflected on the recent slump at the box office for Bollywood films: “Earlier, one was an art film, another, an action film and then, there were family films. Now, one movie is expected to serve all. We also have to think, ‘Will this work in South India?’ Then, there is the multiplex audience and single-screen audience. So, we have to keep all these factors in mind. Also, people are saying that films are not doing well. But last year, five films earned Rs 500 crore each.”

He added, “We never dreamt that our industry would make Rs 500 crore! Now, films are expected to make Rs 700 crore to be called a success. When I’m making my film, the fear is definitely there. But we have to survive here. Comedies bring people together. Big cast, big scale, great music and laughter will bring people back to cinemas.”

Welcome to the Jungle is set to hit the big screens in the second half of 2025. Stay tuned to OTTplay for more information on this and everything else from the world of streaming and films.