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Mumbai: After months of uncertainty and repeated delays, the makers of Welcome to the Jungle, the third instalment of the hugely popular Welcome franchise, have finally announced a confirmed theatrical release date. The film, headlined by Akshay Kumar, is set to hit cinemas worldwide on June 26, 2026, rekindling excitement among fans of one of Bollywood’s most successful comedy franchises.

The announcement was made on Tuesday, bringing clarity to a project that has been in the news since 2024 due to scheduling changes and production- delays. Directed by choreographer-turned-filmmaker Ahmed Khan, Welcome to the Jungle promises a grand scale, both in terms of cast and spectacle, positioning itself as one of the biggest ensemble comedies ever produced in Hindi cinema.

A franchise with a strong legacy

The Welcome franchise holds a special place in Bollywood’s comedy landscape. The first film, released in 2007 and directed by Anees Bazmee, starred Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar and Paresh Rawal, and went on to become a cult favourite. Packed with memorable one-liners, slapstick humour and eccentric characters, Welcome enjoyed massive box office success and strong repeat value on television.

Its sequel, Welcome Back, released in 2015, saw John Abraham and Shruti Haasan stepping into the lead roles, replacing Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif. While the second instalment received mixed reviews, it performed well commercially, ensuring that the franchise retained its mass appeal and paving the way for a third film.

With Welcome to the Jungle, Akshay Kumar returns to the franchise after nearly two decades, a move that has significantly heightened expectations among audiences who associate the original film with his comic timing and screen presence.

A massive ensemble cast

One of the most striking aspects of Welcome to the Jungle is its enormous ensemble cast, reportedly featuring over 30 actors. Alongside Akshay Kumar, the film stars Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff, Raveena Tandon, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Arshad Warsi and Paresh Rawal, bringing together multiple generations of Bollywood actors.

The cast also includes Rajpal Yadav, Johnny Lever, Aftab Shivdasani, Lara Dutta, Shreyas Talpade, Tusshar Kapoor, Daler Mehndi, Farida Jalal, Krishna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Kiran Kumar, Mukesh Tiwari, Yashpal Sharma, Vindu Dara Singh, Nawab Shah, Urvashi Rautela, Puneet Issar, Arjun Firoz Khan, Sudesh Berry, Hemant Pandey, Zakir Hussain and Sayaji Shinde. The film will also feature the late Pankaj Dheer, making his appearance a poignant moment for fans.

Industry insiders say managing such a large cast has been one of the challenges behind the film’s delays, but the makers believe the star power and variety of comic styles will be one of its biggest strengths.

Nostalgia meets a new setting

In November last year, Akshay Kumar had shared a behind-the-scenes video from the sets featuring co-star Disha Patani. The clip showed the two actors dancing to a revamped version of the popular song Uncha Lamba Kad, originally picturised on Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif in the 2007 film.

What caught fans’ attention was Akshay’s caption, which paid a warm tribute to Katrina Kaif. “From our hearts to yours!! What a throwback, 18 years & still an all-time favourite. With so much nostalgia, beautiful Disha & I bring you Welcome to the Jungle… Never forgetting our Queen Katrina,” he wrote, sparking conversations online about the franchise’s legacy and its enduring fanbase.

Sources close to the production say the film blends nostalgia with a fresh narrative and a new setting, while retaining the over-the-top humour that defined the earlier films. While plot details are being kept under wraps, the title suggests a wild, chaotic backdrop that aligns with the franchise’s trademark madness.

Big expectations at the box office

With Akshay Kumar returning to a genre that has historically worked well for him, trade analysts are optimistic about the film’s commercial prospects. Akshay, who has delivered several successful comedies in the past, is seen as a key factor in drawing audiences back to theatres.

The film’s release on June 26 places it in the summer window, traditionally considered favourable for big-ticket entertainers. Given the scale of the cast, the marketing push is expected to be extensive, with promotions likely to begin several months in advance.

Conclusion

Welcome to the Jungle represents a blend of nostalgia, star power and large-scale comedy, aiming to revive the magic of a franchise that has entertained audiences for nearly two decades. With a confirmed release date now in place, all eyes are on how Ahmed Khan’s directorial vision and Akshay Kumar’s return will shape the next chapter of Welcome. As June 26 approaches, the film is poised to be one of the most talked-about Bollywood releases of 2026.