Akshay Kumar’s “Welcome To The Jungle” Stalls Amid Unpaid Dues: Inside the Production Snag

The third instalment in the blockbuster Welcome series—Welcome To The Jungle—was billed as a grand ensemble comedy returning to its roots. But as of June 17, 2025, the project finds itself stalled indefinitely due to mounting financial issues and significant unpaid dues to cast and crew 

What’s the core issue?

Production Halted

Shooting began in December 2023, with the most recent major schedule in August 2023. Since then, production has been largely dormant

Multiple scheduled shoots—2 to 3—were abruptly cancelled over the past six months due to financial and logistical mismanagement 

Unpaid Dues

A large ensemble of over 20 actors, along with technicians and staff, have reportedly not received their full payments, triggering frustration and confusion on set

Some prominent actors have even exited the project, citing non-payment and erratic schedules Sanjay Dutt among those who left after shooting only about 15 days

Why is this happening?

Money & Stakeholders

Reports suggest Akshay Kumar holds an 80% stake in the film, while Firoz Nadiadwala and others control the remaining 20%.

The large cast increases the budget significantly, making holistic payment precarious if funds aren’t managed well 

Industry Comparisons

With movies like Housefull 5 touted to have large rosters yet smooth production, Welcome To The Jungle's challenges point to gaps in planning and execution 

Impact on Production & Cast

Scheduling Mayhem

Actors scheduled dates for filming, only to have them cancelled at the eleventh hour, disrupting their other commitments and finances 

Uncertainty & Morale

Although many actors remain attached to the project out of respect for the franchise, morale is low, and several have left.

Industry insiders estimate roughly 40% of the film remains unshot, despite 60% completion 

Financial Ripples

Delays often push back release plans—in this case originally slated for Christmas 2024, then June 2025, now uncertain .

Time is money: stalls impact investor confidence, promotional momentum, and potential box office returns.

Broader context in Bollywood

Big-Cast Films Mean Big Risks

Ensemble-driven comedies like Welcome and Housefull require tight coordination. Payment delays become high-stakes when dozens depend on timely compensation.

Talent Trust is Precious

Bollywood relies heavily on goodwill. Persistent missed payments and last-minute schedule changes erode trust, making future casting complicated.

Rebuilding from Setbacks

If production resumes, the team will need clearer financial safeguards, perhaps escrowed funds or smaller schedules, to avoid repeat issues.

What comes next?

Resolution Path

The ball lies with Firoz Nadiadwala and the financiers to settle dues. No official public statement has been made yet 

Can production restart?

If payments are cleared and actors agree to new dates, filming could resume, but timelines could shift months or even a year.

Fan & Industry Sentiment

While fans miss the franchise's trademark humor, many also express skepticism, worried the film might be abandoned or underperform .

Welcome To The Jungle’s sudden freeze underscores the crucial importance of financial discipline in big-budget Bollywood projects. Delays caused by unpaid dues not only stall production but also damage reputations and stakeholder trust. For this sequel to make it to the big screen, the stakes are high—financial clarity, stakeholder communication, and respect for talent are non-negotiable. As the dust settles, fans and insiders alike will be watching: can this franchise rise again, or will it leave the jungle behind?