The ripple effects of rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia are now being felt in Bollywood, with Akshay Kumar’s much-anticipated comedy Welcome To The Jungle becoming the latest project to alter its plans. What was envisioned as a lavish Dubai shoot has now been called off, prompting the makers to swiftly pivot to Mumbai.
This development comes shortly after Shah Rukh Khan’s King also scrapped its overseas schedule, signalling a broader shift within the industry as safety and logistics take centre stage.
Dubai Shoot Cancelled, Makers Opt For Mumbai Alternative
Director Ahmed Khan had originally planned to film a grand song sequence in Dubai, hoping to capture the city’s opulence on screen. However, with uncertainty persisting in the region, the team decided against taking any risks.
After waiting several weeks for conditions to stabilise, the production ultimately chose to relocate the shoot. Mumbai has now become the new base, with elaborate sets being designed to replicate the intended visual spectacle.
Confirming the update, Ahmed Khan shared with Mid-Day, “We will now shoot the song in Mumbai. It’s a glamorous song with the entire cast.”
Massive Ensemble Made Delays Impossible
Postponing the shoot was never a realistic option. With a star-studded lineup including Suniel Shetty, Raveena Tandon, Jackie Shroff, Paresh Rawal, Lara Dutta, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez and Shreyas Talpade, coordinating fresh dates would have been a logistical nightmare.
Rather than risk further delays, the team chose to adapt quickly, ensuring the production stays on track without compromising on scale.
Mumbai To Mirror Dubai’s Glamour
According to the reports by Mid-day, to bring the original vision to life, production designer Sailesh Mhadik is crafting detailed sets across locations such as Madh Island, Golden Tobacco Studio, and Film City in Goregaon. These setups will recreate the glitz of nightclubs, casinos, and even private jets, elements that were central to the song’s theme of luxury living.
Initially, Dubai was seen as the perfect backdrop for this extravagant sequence. However, with nearly a month passing without improvement in the situation, the shift became inevitable.