After Shah Rukh, Akshay Kumar’s Dubai Shoot Cancelled Due to Regional Tensions

Welcome to the Jungle is the third installment of the comedy franchise Welcome, headlined by Akshay Kumar.

Following the cancellation of Shah Rukh Khan’s King Dubai schedule, Akshay Kumar’s upcoming comedy entertainer Welcome To The Jungle has also dropped its planned Dubai shoot due to escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia (Middle East), particularly the ongoing US-Iran conflict. Director Ahmed Khan had planned to film a lavish, high-budget song sequence in Dubai, featuring grand luxury setups.

Mumbai to Recreate Dubai Glamour

According to reports, the team is now erecting massive, expensive sets in Mumbai to recreate the opulent Dubai look for the song. The decision was taken as a safety precaution, prioritising the well-being of the unit amid the uncertain regional situation. This marks the second major Bollywood project in quick succession to face disruption.

Impact on Welcome To The Jungle

Welcome To The Jungle is a star-studded comedy directed by Ahmed Khan and produced on a grand scale. It features Akshay Kumar alongside an ensemble cast including Suniel Shetty, Raveena Tandon, and others. The film was earlier slated for a May 2026 release but has seen multiple delays due to various production challenges.

Broader Concerns for the Industry

The repeated cancellations highlight how global geopolitical tensions are increasingly affecting Bollywood’s international shooting schedules. Several big films rely on exotic foreign locations for visual appeal, and such disruptions are forcing producers to rethink their plans and budgets. As of now, the Welcome To The Jungle team remains focused on completing the song in Mumbai and moving ahead with the remaining schedule.

-By Manoj H