As he prepares for the release of ‘Welcome To The Jungle’, Akshay Kumar opens up about the evolving nature of comedy and why making audiences laugh has become more difficult in the age of social media. While Akshay was mostly known for acting when he started his career, he gradually left it and turned to comedy. The actor is widely accepted in the genre and continues to be loved because of his movies like ‘Hera Pheri’, ‘Garam Masala’, ‘Bhagam Bhaag’ and others which have become iconic of the time with the audience. However, the actor feels that comedy today is more difficult than before.The actor, who recently starred in ‘Bhooth Bangla’, believes that the abundance of comedy content available on the internet has raised the bar for filmmakers and performers. Akshay said that while humor remains a powerful form of entertainment, audiences today are constantly exposed to jokes, memes and funny videos across multiple platforms.“It has become more challenging. Now there are reels, memes and comedy content everywhere. But comedy is like a big river, it never dries up. There are so many forms of comedy, there are physical comedy, situational comedy, slapstick comedy, black humor,” he said in an interview with PTI.The 58-year-old actor noted that films are no longer the only source of laughter for viewers, with digital platforms offering an endless supply of funny content.“There are countless ways to make people laugh. If you open Instagram, you will find endless memes and funny videos. People use comedy every day. There are so many comedy shows and talented stand-up comedians who create fresh material. But making people laugh remains one of the hardest things to do. People always underestimate comedy. I have a lot of respect for stand-up comedians. Standing alone in front of an audience and making people laugh is extremely difficult.“‘Welcome To The Jungle’, the latest installment of the popular ‘Welcome’ franchise, follows a chaotic mix of gangsters, criminals and eccentric individuals whose lives intersect in a jungle near the border region. What begins as an operation similar to a movie soon turns into a series of strange situations involving crime, confusion and action.The film features a large ensemble cast led by Akshay Kumar and includes Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Raveena TandonArshad Warsi, Lara Dutta and other actors.One aspect of the trailer that caught viewers’ attention was its self-deprecating humor. Akshay revealed that he has no problem with teasing and, in fact, enjoys it.“I think making fun of yourself is better than making fun of someone else. If I make fun of someone else, there is not much happiness. And Suniel replied, ‘Aap flop filmein bhi dekhte hain?'”Recalling his reaction when the line was pointed out to him, Akshay added, “When the director and writer narrated that line to me, I immediately said, ‘This is great. Do it.’ Why do I have a problem with this? Didn’t I give flop films? Everyone has. There is nothing wrong with accepting it. That’s why comedy works so well.”The actor also talked about portraying a former Bhojpuri film star in the movie, a role he was very excited to prepare for. To get into character, he spent time studying the performances of some of the biggest names in the industry.“I had a lot of fun preparing for it. Before shooting the song, I watched around 30 to 40 Bhojpuri songs. I watched songs featuring Ravi Kishan ji, Pawan ji and many more.”“I wanted to understand their style, their rhythm and the way they perform. What I realized is that Bhojpuri performers bring a lot of energy to their work. There is a sense of freedom in the way they perform. You can’t have any restrictions while doing it. That energy should flow naturally. I learned a lot by observing them.”Reflecting on the growing trend of franchise films in Bollywood, Akshay rejects the idea that a sequel or an established brand automatically guarantees success at the box office.“It’s not a risk or a safe bet. If the film is good, it’s a good thing. If the film is bad, then being a franchise doesn’t matter. Recently, my film ‘Bhooth Bangla’ was released. It’s not a franchise. God is kind, and people like it. In the end, it all depends on the film itself.”The ‘Welcome’ franchise started with the 2007 comedy blockbuster starring Akshay Kumar, Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor:Paresh Rawal, Katrina Kaif: and the late Feroz Khan. It was later followed by ‘Welcome Back’ in 2015. Now, with ‘Welcome To The Jungle’, the franchise is back with a bigger cast and scale as it heads to theaters this Friday.
