Ahmed Khan opens up on Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty starrer ‘Welcome to the Jungle’: ‘I don’t want someone to define comedy for me’ | Hindi Movie News
Director Ahmed Khan has opened up about the huge challenge that went into making ‘Welcome to the Jungle,’ revealing that coordinating a cast of more than 30 actors took the film two and a half years to complete. He also talked about joining a franchise that was sponsored by the former Me Bazmee and spoke of the generous support given by Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty during production.
Ahmed Khan talks about bringing together 30 plus actors
In an interview with Mid-Day on the eve of the film’s release, Ahmed Khan said that the sheer number of actors made ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ one of the most challenging projects of his career.He said, “It was an ambitious project from the word go. In India, ambition means finding singers and their dates. Each actor was busy with other films, and each character in the film is important. That’s why it took us two and a half years to complete.”The filmmaker said that his previous experience of working with many actors as a choreographer made communication easier. He also admitted that his “loud and commanding” personality naturally helped him keep a large group together through long productions.
Ahmed Khan talks about taking on Anees Bazmee’s role
Stepping into the franchise that Anees Bazmee built from the ground up was another story, but Khan made it clear that he didn’t feel the need to seek the approval of his predecessors.He said, “We are all friends, but technically any director can make any film. Anees bhai doesn’t need me to explain how to make an action film, and I don’t need someone to explain comedy. A director is a director. Give him a script and he will make a film.”For Ahmed Khan, the change in the director’s vision is what keeps the franchise alive and fresh. He said, “Otherwise, everyone can keep doing the same things over and over again. It’s like moving into a new house.”Ahmed Khan returning to the theatersIn the same discussion, Ahmed Khan also established the establishment of mass entertainers as a responsibility in show business. “I can make a small film and make it popular, but it’s our responsibility to give back to the theatres,” he said.
Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty support
Ahmed Khan was very impressed with the two actors, crediting them with easing the film’s financial woes during production.He revealed, “What Akshay and Suniel did for this film is unbeatable. They just said, ‘Achhi banao picture. Kamayegi picture; we will take it from there.’ They did not say, ‘I have offered my services; pay me now
More about ‘Welcome to the Jungle’
Directed by Ahmed Khan, the film stars Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Shreyas Talpade, Tusshar Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Disha Patani, Raveena Tandon, Arshad Warsi, and others. The film was released in theaters on June 26, 2026.
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