Akshay Kumar wraps up ‘Welcome to the Jungle’; to release in 2026

Superstar Akshay Kumar on Thursday announced that he has completed filming for his upcoming movie Welcome to the Jungle, the third installment of the popular Welcome franchise. The film is slated to hit theatres in 2026.

Sharing the update with fans, Kumar marked the end of the shoot, generating excitement around the return of one of Bollywood’s most successful comedy franchises. The original Welcome, released in 2007 and directed by Anees Bazmee, featured Kumar in the lead and went on to become a cult favourite. Its sequel, Welcome Back, released in 2015, starred John Abraham and was also helmed by Bazmee.

Welcome to the Jungle charts a new course for the franchise with director Ahmed Khan taking over the reins. While details about the plot and ensemble cast are being kept under wraps, the film is expected to retain the franchise’s signature blend of slapstick humour, eccentric characters and large-scale entertainment.

The Welcome series has enjoyed enduring popularity with audiences over the years, and Kumar’s return is likely to add to the anticipation surrounding the new chapter. With production now wrapped, the makers are expected to begin post-production work in the coming months ahead of its 2026 release.