Director: Ahmed Khan opened up about the huge logistical challenge behind making ‘Welcome to the Jungle,’ revealing that coordinating the schedules of more than 30 actors stretched the shoot to two and a half years. He also discussed joining a franchise originally led by: Anees Bazmee and speaks of the generous support provided by: Akshay Kumar and: Suniel Shetty: during production.
Ahmed Khan talks about coordinating 30-plus actors
In an interview with Mid-Day on the eve of the film’s release, Ahmed Khan said that the size of the ensemble cast made ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ one of the most demanding projects of his career.He said, “It was an ambitious project from the word go. In India, ambition means getting the cast and their dates. Every actor is busy with other films, and every character in this film is important. So it took us two and a half years to complete. “The filmmaker noted that his previous experience working with most of the cast as a choreographer made communication smoother. He also admitted that his natural “loud and dominating” personality on set helped him carry the large ensemble through the long production.
Ahmed Khan talks about taking over from Anees Bazmee
Entering a franchise built by Anees Bazmee from the ground up is another talking point, but Khan has made it abundantly clear that he never felt the need to seek his predecessor’s approval.He said, “We are all friends, but professionally every director can make any film. Anees bhai doesn’t need me to explain how to make an action film, and I don’t need anyone to explain comedy to me. A director is a director. Give him a script and he can make a film.”For Ahmed Khan, a director’s changing vision is what keeps a franchise alive and fresh. He said, “Otherwise, everyone will keep doing the same thing over and over again. It’s like moving to a new house. You don’t call the previous owner and ask where he put the couch. The house is the same, but you arrange the furniture in your own way.”Ahmed Khan to give back to cinemasIn the same conversation, Ahmed Khan also framed being a great entertainer as a responsibility in exhibition business. “I can make a small action film and it can be a hit, but it is our duty to bring back the theaters,” he said.
Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty’s support
Ahmed Khan was effusive in his praise for the two lead actors, crediting them with easing the film’s financial pressure during production.He revealed, “What Akshay and Suniel have done for this film is unbeatable. They just said, ‘Picture achhi banao. Picture kamayegi; we will take it from that.’ They do not say, ‘I give my services; now pay me.'”
More about ‘Welcome to the Jungle’
Directed by Ahmed Khan, the film features Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Shreyas Talpade, Tusshar Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Disha Patani, Raveena Tandon, Arshad Warsi, and others. The film releases in theaters on June 26, 2026.