The absence of Anil Kapoor from the upcoming comedy film "Welcome To The Jungle" has been a topic of much discussion among fans of the "Welcome" franchise. While the pairing of Kapoor and Nana Patekar as Majnu and Uday was iconic, director Ahmed Khan has shed light on why Kapoor isn't part of this new installment.
According to Khan, "Welcome To The Jungle" veers away from the typical comedy or slapstick entertainer, exploring "black dark situational humour" rooted in serious, complex scenarios. This tonal shift suggests that the characters of Majnu and Uday, known for their chaos-filled humour, may not have fit the film's new direction. Khan clarified that the film relies on tension-based, situational laughs, where seriousness becomes the foundation of humour.
Adding to this, Nana Patekar revealed in an interview that he and Anil Kapoor were approached for "Welcome to the Jungle" but declined the offer because they "didn't enjoy" the script. Patekar stated, "They did approach us. We said no. Kahani nahi hai. Utna mazaa nahi aaya," which translates to "There's no story. We didn't enjoy it as much". He also emphasized the importance of Anil Kapoor and himself working together, saying, "But it wouldn't have been complete if Anil and I weren't doing it together. If Anil and I are there, then only Welcome is possible".
Another possible reason for Anil Kapoor's absence might be monetary issues. According to a source-based report, Kapoor allegedly demanded ₹18 crores to be part of the film, which supposedly shocked producer Firoz Nadiadwala.
"Welcome To The Jungle" boasts a large ensemble cast, including Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Paresh Rawal, Arshad Warsi, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Daler Mehndi, Mika Singh, Mukesh Tiwari, Zakir Hussain, Yashpal Sharma, and more. Sanjay Dutt and Arshad Warsi are said to be appearing in the film, stepping into roles that are similar to those previously held by Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar, albeit with different names.
While the absence of Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar may disappoint some fans, "Welcome To The Jungle" aims to offer a fresh take on the comedy franchise, with a new storyline and a different kind of humor. The film is expected to be released in mid-2026.
