By Farru Tech, June 18, 2025
Akshay Kumar’s Welcome To The Jungle Faces Delays.
The filming of Akshay Kumar’s Welcome To The Jungle has been paused, but not due to financial woes as rumored. A terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where the remaining 30% of the shoot was planned, forced the production to postpone its schedule. This blog explores the reasons behind the halt, clarifies misconceptions about payment issues, and provides context on the film’s progress and the tragic event that altered its course.
Welcome To The Jungle A Promising Comedy Stalled by Tragedy.
Welcome To The Jungle, the third installment in the beloved Welcome franchise, has been a highly anticipated Bollywood comedy since its announcement in 2023. Directed by Ahmed Khan, the film boasts a massive ensemble cast of 34 actors, including Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Anil Kapoor, Raveena Tandon, Disha Patani, and Jacqueline Fernandez. With 70% of the shoot completed, the production was gearing up for its final leg in Kashmir, but a devastating terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, derailed those plans. Contrary to earlier reports of financial troubles, a source close to the production clarified that the halt was solely due to safety concerns in the region.
The Pahalgam Terror Attack: A Grim Disruption
On April 22, 2025, five armed terrorists attacked tourists in Baisaran Valley, near Pahalgam, a picturesque spot dubbed “mini Switzerland” in Jammu and Kashmir. The assault, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Lashkar-e-Taiba, killed 26 civilians, including 25 tourists (mostly Hindus) and one local Muslim, Syed Hussain Shah, who died trying to protect others. The attackers, armed with M4 carbines and AK-47s, targeted visitors in a meadow accessible only by foot or horseback, making rescue efforts challenging. Survivors recounted harrowing moments, with terrorists reportedly asking victims their religion before shooting. The attack, the deadliest on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks, sparked nationwide outrage and heightened tensions with Pakistan, which India accused of supporting the militants.
The Indian government responded swiftly, imposing a lockdown in Pahalgam, deploying helicopters to track the militants, and launching “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Over 2,800 people were questioned, and the houses of suspected militants were demolished. The attack also led to diplomatic fallout, with India suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and closing the Attari-Wagah border.
This volatile situation made filming in Kashmir untenable. A source told Hindustan Times, “The entire schedule was locked, which included helicopters, over 250 horses with horsemen, and 1200 junior artists. But, everything is on track, all 34 actors are excited and set to commence the last marathon schedule and will begin post-rains in a different location.” The remaining 30% of the shoot, originally planned for Kashmir, will now resume after the monsoon at an undisclosed safer location.
Debunking Financial Rumors
Initial reports from Pinkvilla suggested that Welcome To The Jungle faced delays due to financial constraints, including non-payment of dues to actors and crew, leading to some cast members exiting the project. The report claimed, “The film has been on floors for over a year and a half now. There are also 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.” However, a source close to the production dismissed these claims, emphasizing that the halt was solely due to the Pahalgam attack.
The clarification aligns with posts on X, where outlets like News18 and India Today reported that the delay was security-related, not financial. One post from @ieEntertainment stated, “#WelcomeToTheJungle shoot halted due to #Pahalgamattacks, not financial troubles: ‘Schedule will begin post-rains, but not in Kashmir’, reveals source.” The production’s elaborate Kashmir schedule, involving significant logistical arrangements, underscores that the decision to pause was driven by external circumstances rather than budget issues.
The Welcome Franchise and Its Journey
Welcome To The Jungle follows the success of Welcome (2007), starring Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Paresh Rawal, and Nana Patekar, and Welcome Back (2015), featuring John Abraham, Shruti Haasan, and Anil Kapoor. Both films, directed by Anees Bazmee, were box-office hits, known for their slapstick humor and memorable characters. The third installment, initially slated for a Christmas 2024 release, was postponed due to production challenges, including multiple schedule cancellations over the past six months. Despite these hurdles, the source assured that the film remains on track, with the cast committed to delivering a worthy addition to the franchise.
The film began shooting in December 2023 but faced delays, with little progress since August 2024. The Kashmir schedule was meant to capture the region’s scenic beauty, a popular backdrop for Bollywood films, but the attack forced a rethink. The decision to relocate reflects the industry’s adaptability in the face of unforeseen challenges, as seen in past instances where films like Haider and Bajrangi Bhaijaan navigated Kashmir’s complex security landscape.
Raveena Tandon’s Connection and Recent Controversy
Raveena Tandon, part of the ensemble cast, recently faced scrutiny for an unrelated Air India post following the AI171 crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, which killed 270 people. Her Instagram post, shared four days later, praised the airline’s resilience, but netizens criticized its timing, with some speculating it was a paid promotion. This incident highlights the sensitivity around public figures’ actions during crises, a sentiment echoed in the Welcome To The Jungle delay, where safety trumped all other considerations.
Abou Welcome To The Jungle What Lies Ahead
The Welcome To The Jungle team plans to resume filming post-monsoon, likely in September or October 2025, at a new location yet to be announced. The film’s makers, led by producer Firoz Nadiadwala, remain optimistic, with the source noting, “All 34 actors are excited and set to commence the last marathon schedule.” The delay, while unfortunate, ensures the safety of the cast and crew, a priority in light of the Pahalgam tragedy. Fans eagerly await updates, with posts on X reflecting optimism, such as @indiaforums noting, “70% of Welcome To The Jungle is already done! The Akshay-Sanjay-Suniel gang aims to wrap up post-monsoon.”
The incident also underscores the broader impact of terrorism on Kashmir’s tourism and film industry, which rely on the region’s allure. The attack, condemned by leaders like Narendra Modi and Omar Abdullah, has led to increased security measures, potentially affecting future shoots in the Valley.
Welcome To The Jungle : A Testament to Resilience
The halt of Welcome To The Jungle is a stark reminder of how real-world events can disrupt even the most meticulously planned projects. Yet, the team’s determination to resume filming reflects the spirit of the Welcome franchise—finding humor and heart amid chaos. As the nation mourns the Pahalgam victims, the film’s cast and crew stand united, ready to bring laughter back to audiences when the time is right.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on publicly available reports and social media updates. It does not reflect the views of the Welcome To The Jungle production team or any affiliated parties. Readers are encouraged to verify details independently.
Sources: Hindustan Times (June 18, 2025), News18 (June 18, 2025), India Today (June 18, 2025), The Times of India (April 22-26, 2025), BBC (April 22, 2025), and posts on X.
