The eagerly awaited ‘Welcome 3,’ starring Akshay Kumar, has been making waves in the entertainment industry, not just for its stellar cast and storyline but also for some behind-the-scenes drama. From Sanjay Dutt’s unexpected exit to issues of non-payment, here’s a rundown of the major controversies that have surrounded this film.
Sanjay Dutt steps down due to health concerns
Sanjay Dutt’s exit from ‘Welcome 3’ caught many by surprise. As reported by Pinkvilla, the actor had to leave the project due to health issues. “Sanjay had only managed to shoot for a day in Madh Island,” a source disclosed. The source added, “His role required extensive action scenes, which led him to reconsider his participation given his health situation.”
The actor had commenced filming last December, and his withdrawal significantly altered the movie’s landscape. Akshay Kumar had previously shared an Instagram reel, celebrating Sanjay Dutt’s inclusion and highlighting their on-set rapport as they rode horses and bikes together.
Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar’s absence
Another major headline was the absence of Anil Kapoor and Nana Patekar from the cast of ‘Welcome 3.’ Known for their iconic roles as Uday Bhai and Majnu Bhai in the previous films, their exclusion stirred quite a reaction on social media.
According to an ETimes report, Anil Kapoor’s real reason for not being a part of ‘Welcome 3’ was the unprofessional behavior of Firoz Nadiadwala during the second installment. Thereafter, a Bollywood Hungama report suggested Anil Kapoor demanded Rs 18 crore, which the producers found too steep.
Nana Patekar, loyal to his on-screen partnership with Kapoor, opted out as well, leading to the casting shakeup. This change has left fans nostalgic and apprehensive about the new dynamics in the upcoming film.
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Production halted over non-payment issues
‘Welcome 3’ also once encountered a major setback due to financial disputes. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) suspended the film’s production, citing unpaid dues to technicians from ‘Welcome 2.’ BN Tiwari, President of FWICE, stated, “We have informed all the actors of the film, including Akshay Kumar and Disha Patani, that the federation has issued a non-cooperation directive against Firoz Nadiadwala for defaulting on payments.”
The conflict arose after cheques issued by producer Firoz Nadiadwala bounced. FWICE has insisted that the outstanding Rs 2 crore must be paid before the film’s production can continue. This financial impasse has jeopardized the film’s production schedule, casting doubt on its anticipated release.
Despite numerous setbacks, ‘Welcome 3,’ now titled ‘Welcome To The Jungle,’ continues to be one of the most eagerly awaited films of 2024. With a star-studded cast featuring Akshay Kumar, Disha Patani, and Jacqueline Fernandez, the film is scheduled to hit theaters on December 20, 2024. Fans are excited to see how the new actors will interpret the beloved characters and inject new life into the franchise.
