Akshay Kumar's latest comedy film 'Welcome to the Jungle' has opened to a strong box office performance, collecting approximately ₹15 crore on its first day. The film, which released on June 26, 2026, has garnered mixed reviews from critics but managed to attract audiences in large numbers, especially in multiplexes across metropolitan cities.
Opening Day Figures
According to early estimates from trade analysts, the film earned around ₹15 crore net in India on its opening day. This figure includes earnings from all languages in which the film was released. The occupancy rate was reported to be around 40-50% for morning shows, which increased to 60-70% for evening and night shows. The film's performance in single-screen cinemas was relatively lower compared to multiplexes.
Comparison with Previous Installments
'Welcome to the Jungle' is the third installment in the popular 'Welcome' franchise. The first film, 'Welcome' (2007), had a lifetime collection of about ₹50 crore, while 'Welcome Back' (2015) earned around ₹100 crore. The opening day collection of ₹15 crore is slightly lower than the opening day of 'Welcome Back', which had earned ₹17 crore on its first day. However, given the current market conditions and competition from other releases, the film's start is considered decent.
Cast and Crew
The film features an ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, and others. Directed by Anees Bazmee, the film is produced by Firoz A. Nadiadwala under the banner of Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment. The music has been composed by various artists, with songs that have already become popular on streaming platforms.
Reception and Reviews
Critics have given mixed to positive reviews. The Times of India rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars, praising the comedy and performances, while criticising the predictable plot. According to a review by India TV, "Akshay Kumar's comic timing is impeccable, but the script lacks originality." Audience reactions on social media have been largely positive, with many appreciating the nostalgic feel of the franchise.
Box Office Prospects
Trade experts predict that the film will see a growth in collections over the weekend, with estimates of ₹50-55 crore for the first three days. The film faces competition from Hollywood release 'Mission: Impossible 8' and the Hindi film 'Squad', which released on the same day. However, 'Welcome to the Jungle' is expected to hold its ground due to the star power of Akshay Kumar and the popularity of the franchise.
Conclusion
With a solid opening day collection of ₹15 crore, 'Welcome to the Jungle' has set the stage for a potentially successful run at the box office. The film's performance in the coming days will depend on word-of-mouth and holiday weekend effect. As of now, the film is on track to recover its production budget of approximately ₹100 crore.
