Seventy-five percent of the shoot for Welcome To The Jungle is now complete, and the team has locked a near two-hour edit of the footage shot so far. Here’s a detailed report on the highly anticipated project.
Earlier in 2024, Akshay Kumar reconciled with Firoz Nadiadwala and announced plans to revamp two of Indian Cinema’s most beloved franchises: Welcome and Hera Pheri. Ever since the news broke, there has been immense excitement among cinema audiences for Welcome To The Jungle (Welcome 3) and Hera Pheri 3. Soon after, Welcome To The Jungle went into production with Ahmed Khan as the director. The makers also brought together one of the biggest ensemble casts in Hindi cinema history. Led by Akshay Kumar, the film features Paresh Rawal, Suniel Shetty, Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Raveena Tandon, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Shreyas Talpade, Johny Lever, Rajpal Yadav, and Lara Dutta, among others.
Aiming for Christmas 2025 Release
According to sources close to the project, Akshay Kumar and Firoz Nadiadwala are targeting a Christmas 2025 release for this adventure comedy. Welcome To The Jungle is being crafted as a big-ticket holiday entertainer. “Seventy-five percent of the shoot is wrapped up, and the team has locked a near two-hour edit of the footage shot to date. The film is being mounted on a grand scale, and the stakeholders are extremely pleased with what they’ve seen so far on the editing table. The story takes the ensemble cast on an unexpected adventure that spans from the forests of India to the picturesque landscapes of Kashmir,” a source revealed.
Wrapping Up by Mid-2025
The filmmakers plan to complete shooting by June 2025, allowing ample time for post-production before the planned Christmas release. “While VFX work for the completed footage is already in progress and nearing completion, the remaining sequences will also require extensive VFX. Welcome To The Jungle is among the most ambitious comedies in Indian cinema, combining a massive ensemble cast with genre-defining humor. The film is packed with gags and one-liners, bringing back the quirky and ‘twisted’ charm of the Khiladi (Akshay Kumar),” added the source.
What’s Next for Akshay Kumar?
Before Welcome To The Jungle, fans will see Akshay Kumar in two other comedic projects. He stars in the fifth installment of the Housefull franchise, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, and the Subhash Kapoor-directed Jolly LLB 3. Additionally, Akshay is working on a horror-comedy titled Bhooth Bangla with director Priyadarshan, which is set to hit theaters in April 2026.
As for Hera Pheri 3, this cult classic comedy sequel is expected to begin production once Welcome To The Jungle wraps. Current timelines suggest that filming for Hera Pheri 3 will commence in December 2025.
A Grand Spectacle Awaits
With an extraordinary ensemble cast, breathtaking locations, and cutting-edge VFX, Welcome To The Jungle promises to deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience. The excitement surrounding the film’s Christmas 2025 release continues to grow, making it one of the most awaited films of the year.