Akshay Kumar is returning to the Welcome franchise with Welcome To The Jungle, but the absence of Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor has not gone unnoticed by fans. The first film, Welcome, released in 2007,
went on to become a cult comedy, with Akshay’s comic timing and Nana-Anil’s unforgettable chemistry as Uday Shetty and Majnu Bhai becoming one of the biggest highlights of the film.
While Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor returned for the second instalment, Welcome Back, Akshay Kumar was missing from the sequel. Now, with Akshay back in Welcome To The Jungle, the franchise is moving ahead without Nana and Anil. Recently, the actor opened up about their absence from the upcoming film and hinted that fans might see the original gang together again if Welcome 4 happens.
Akshay Kumar On Nana Patekar And Anil Kapoor Missing From Welcome To The Jungle
In a recent interaction, Akshay Kumar said that the Welcome franchise feels like a family to him. Speaking about Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor, the actor said that the two veteran stars remain an integral part of the franchise and could return if another film is made.
“Welcome is a full family. This is Nana, Mr Anil, me and all the people. This is like family. If Welcome 4 is ever made, you will find all of them,” Akshay told PTI.
Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor played the much-loved gangsters Uday Shetty and Majnu Bhai in Welcome, which also starred Katrina Kaif and Paresh Rawal. Their comic partnership became one of the most memorable parts of the film and continues to be celebrated by fans even years later.
The duo later reprised their roles in the second instalment, Welcome Back, which released in 2015 and starred John Abraham and Shruti Haasan in lead roles.
Ahmed Khan Says He Was In Touch With Nana Patekar And Anil Kapoor
Welcome To The Jungle has been directed by choreographer-filmmaker Ahmed Khan. The director revealed that he remained in touch with both Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor throughout the making of the film.
“We talked all the time. We used to call during the shoot. Nana had just called and asked, ‘How is it going? When will you show the film to me? Tell Akshay that I am not available.’ They keep calling and they talk. Anil sir called and said, ‘How is it going? And next time we will plan something,’” Ahmed said.
While Uday Shetty and Majnu Bhai are not part of Welcome To The Jungle, the upcoming film introduces two new characters connected to them. The film will feature Suniel Shetty as Yeda Anna and Arshad Warsi as Romeo, who are said to be the siblings of the two iconic characters.
About Welcome To The Jungle
Welcome To The Jungle is the third instalment in the comedy franchise. The film is led by Akshay Kumar and features a huge ensemble cast that includes Paresh Rawal, Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi, Disha Patani, Lara Dutta and Raveena Tandon, among others.
The story revolves around a group of gangsters, criminals and eccentric characters whose paths cross in a border-area jungle. What begins like a film-shoot-style operation soon turns into a chaotic series of misadventures packed with crime, confusion, comedy and action.
The film is presented by A A Nadiadwala, Cape of Good Films and Star Studio18 in association with Seeta Films and Rakesh Dang.
With Akshay Kumar returning to the franchise and Ahmed Khan promising a new set of comic characters, Welcome To The Jungle is expected to carry forward the madcap spirit of the original. However, for longtime fans, the hope of seeing Akshay, Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor reunite in a possible Welcome 4 might be the real cherry on top.
