In a move prioritizing the safety of its massive ensemble cast, director Ahmed Khan has officially called off the scheduled international shoot for a lavish song sequence in Dubai for the upcoming comedy caper, Welcome to the Jungle.
The decision comes amid rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia, which have recently disrupted several high-profile Bollywood schedules. Speaking on the change of plans, Khan emphasized that while the glamour of Dubai was the original vision, the well-being of his team remains the top priority.
“It’s not only about going there and shooting, but also about coming home safely. It’s always safety first,” Khan stated. “Hence, we decided to shoot the song in Mumbai instead.”
Recreating the Dubai Opulence
While the location has changed, the scale of the production has not. Producer Firoz A. Nadiadwala, known for his love of grand visuals and international backdrops, is reportedly sparing no expense to bring the “Dubai vibe” to India. To maintain the film’s signature luxury, the production team has begun constructing massive, high-end sets across three different locations in Mumbai, including Madh Island, Golden Tobacco Studio, and Film City.
Designed by production designer Sailesh Mhadik, these sets are expected to recreate the extravagant atmosphere of nightclubs, casinos, and private jets—elements that were initially intended to be filmed against the iconic Dubai skyline.
A Star-Studded Challenge
One of the primary reasons for moving the shoot rather than postponing it was the complex logistics of the film’s “jungle” of stars. The song features a heavy-hitting ensemble, including, Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Raveena Tandon, Arshad Warsi, Jacqueline Fernandez, Disha Patani, Paresh Rawal, Lara Dutta, Jackie Shroff and Shreyas Talpade.
Coordinating the dates for such a large group of A-listers is a monumental task. Director Ahmed Khan noted that 80% of the film’s scenes feature the entire cast together, making any delay a potential scheduling nightmare.
Looking Ahead
Filming for the Mumbai-based song sequence is set to begin on April 16, 2026. While this specific track has been relocated, Khan remains hopeful that the situation in the Middle East will stabilize soon. He expressed a desire to return to Dubai in May to film a second song, provided the environment is deemed safe for travel.
Welcome to the Jungle, the third installment in the beloved Welcome franchise, has faced its share of production rumors, but the team is moving full steam ahead toward its scheduled release on June 26, 2026. To know
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