Ahmed Khan Says Akshay, Suniel & Paresh Slip Into Hera Pheri Mode While Filming Welcome to the Jungle
The much-awaited film Welcome to the Jungle brings together Bollywood’s iconic trio—Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal—who last created unforgettable comic magic in Hera Pheri. After Priyadarshan, Ahmed Khan becomes the only filmmaker to reunite the trio for a major feature film. As anticipation around the project continues to grow, the director has opened up about the unique experience of working with the three stars and the nostalgic challenges that come with it.
Speaking to Screen, Ahmed Khan said he shares a long-standing relationship with Akshay, Suniel and Paresh, and still finds it surreal that they are all working together in his film. He explained that their natural chemistry is still as strong as ever, describing how one actor’s line effortlessly leads into the next. “If Akshay says something, Paresh Rawal takes it from there, and then Suniel jumps in,” he said. According to Ahmed, the personalities of their famous characters—Raju, Baburao and Shyam—sometimes surface unintentionally during filming.
The director revealed that the trio’s deep connection to their Hera Pheri roles is both a strength and a challenge. “There’s an unknown attachment. Baburao, Shyam and Raju somewhere pop up in them. I’m taking advantage of that banter,” he said. However, he added that his responsibility is to ensure that the actors remain in the world of Welcome to the Jungle and not slip too far into their earlier characters. “I tell them to snap out of it and come back to the zone of the film,” he added, emphasising that the trio understands their roles well and requires minimal direction.
Welcome to the Jungle is the third instalment in the Welcome franchise, which began in 2007 with Anees Bazmee’s hit comedy Welcome, followed by Welcome Back in 2015. The franchise carved out a strong identity through its humour, memorable dialogues and a colourful ensemble of characters. The upcoming film is directed by Ahmed Khan and produced by Firoz Nadiadwala.
Despite delays since its announcement in 2023, the film has become one of the most anticipated releases of the coming year, largely because it reunites the Hera Pheri trio and pairs Akshay Kumar with Raveena Tandon after nearly two decades. The cast also includes Sanjay Dutt, Lara Dutta, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Arshad Warsi, Shreyas Talpade, Johnny Lever, Kiku Sharda, Krushna Abhishek, Rahul Dev, Tusshar Kapoor and others. Welcome to the Jungle is expected to release in cinemas mid-next year.
Our Thoughts
The reunion of Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal is one of the strongest appeals of Welcome to the Jungle, and Ahmed Khan’s insights confirm that the trio’s natural chemistry remains intact. Their connection to Raju, Shyam and Baburao is deeply rooted, making it understandable that elements of their earlier characters surface during performances. This nostalgic energy can enrich the film if balanced well, offering audiences familiar comfort while presenting new roles.
Ahmed Khan’s approach—to preserve their improvisational banter while guiding them back into the film’s narrative—suggests a collaborative and respectful working atmosphere. With a large ensemble cast and a successful franchise backing it, Welcome to the Jungle has strong potential to attract audiences. Fans of both Hera Pheri and Welcome will be watching closely to see how the film blends nostalgia with fresh humour.