Akshay Kumar Addresses Absence of Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar in 'Welcome to The Jungle'
Akshay Kumar has opened up about the notable absence of Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar from the upcoming film 'Welcome to The Jungle', the third installment in the 'Welcome' franchise. Speaking to PTI, Kumar described the veteran actors as 'family' and assured fans that they would return if a fourth film is ever made.
'Welcome is a full family. This is Nana, Mr. Anil, me and all the people. This is all like a family. If 'Welcome 4' is ever made, you will find all of them. It all depends on what kind of film it is,' Kumar said.
Fan-Favourite Characters Skipping Third Installment
Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar originally played the iconic gangsters Uday Shetty and Majnu Bhai in the 2007 hit 'Welcome'. The duo reprised their roles in the 2015 sequel 'Welcome Again', which did not feature Akshay Kumar and was less successful than the first film. In 'Welcome to The Jungle', Kumar returns as the lead, but Kapoor and Patekar are absent.
The film, releasing in theatres on Friday, boasts an ensemble cast including Paresh Rawal, Suneil Shetty, Arshad Warsi, Disha Patani, Lara Dutta, and Raveena Tandon, among others.
New Characters: Siblings of Uday Shetty and Majnu Bhai
While the original gangsters are missing, the film introduces their siblings: Yeda Anna (played by Suneil Shetty) and Romeo (played by Arshad Warsi). Director Ahmed Khan explained the connection: 'Uday Shetty's brother is Yeda Anna and Majnu's brother is Romeo. They share the same bloodline. One thing that they have in common is the dream to become actors. You will like Yeda Anna and Romeo as much. So, we have made it bigger. We made it younger and we have given it a different quest. Of course, you can't take away from them what they have done (Uday Shetty and Majnu Bhai).'
Director Ahmed Khan Stays in Touch with Kapoor and Patekar
Director Ahmed Khan, a choreographer-turned-filmmaker known for 'Baaghi' and 'Heropanti 2', revealed that he maintained contact with both actors during production. 'We talked all the time. We used to call during the shoot (of the film). Nana had just called and asked, 'How is it going? When will you show (the film) it 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',' Khan said.
Plot of 'Welcome to The Jungle'
The film revolves around a group of gangsters, criminals, and quirky characters whose paths cross in a border-area jungle. What begins as a film-shoot-like operation turns into a series of absurd misadventures involving crime, confusion, and action-packed situations. The film is presented by A A Nadiadwala, Cape of Good Films, and Star Studio18 in association with Seeta Films and Rakesh Dang.
