'Is it a double role?': Akshay Kumar sports two different looks in Welcome To The Jungle announcement clip; fans unhappy with Welcome sequel
'Is it a double role?': Akshay Kumar sports two different looks in Welcome To The Jungle announcement clip; fans unhappy with Welcome sequelinstagram

Akshay Kumar, one of the busiest actors in B-town, once again had a packed year. Like every year, Akshay delivered four releases: Kesari 2, Skyforce, Housefull 5, and Jolly LLB 3. The actor is now busy with his next project, Welcome To The Jungle.

Several reports suggested that Welcome To The Jungle had been shelved due to major financial issues. However, Akshay Kumar has time and again stood by the producers and the crew, and the film is very much on the floors.

Akshay Kumar wraps Welcome to the Jungle shoot

On Christmas, Akshay Kumar surprised fans by unveiling the teaser of Welcome To The Jungle, offering a glimpse into the next chapter of the popular franchise and teasing its grand scale and star-studded appeal.

Akshay and Ranveer's on-screen pairing stirs nostalgia 

The short teaser confirms that principal photography for the highly anticipated project is complete. The clips not only show Akshay and the cast extending festive greetings but also mention that the film's shoot has wrapped. The film is slated for release in 2026.

However, the internet couldn't stop gushing over Akshay Kumar and Raveena Tandon sharing screen space after nearly two decades. The duo's reunion has triggered a wave of nostalgia, especially among audiences who grew up watching their iconic collaborations in the 1990s.

Akshay shared a video with all the cast as they are seen walking together, dressed as their respective characters from the film. He wrote, "Wishing one and all a very Merry Christmas from the giant cast of Welcome to the Jungle! In cinemas 2026. Never have I ever been part of something so big...none of us have. We can't wait to present our gift to you. It's a wrap, people! Well done, gang. Such a huge effort from everyone involved in making this happen. From our big family to yours at home, we wish you nothing but the best for 2026. #WelcomeToTheJungle #Welcome3."

Upon seeing the teaser, netizens speculated that Akshay Kumar might be playing a double role. However, many weren't happy with the possibility, feeling that the franchise is now done and dusted and that there is little scope to elevate the narrative further. Some ardent cinephiles even remarked that Dharmadhikari has set the benchmark so high that Welcome To The Jungle may end up being just another cringeworthy comedy.

In the clip, Akshay Kumar is seen donning a bearded look with messy hair, which reminded several fans of Ranveer Singh's style.

'Is it a double role?': Akshay Kumar sports two different looks in Welcome To The Jungle announcement clip; fans unhappy with Welcome sequel
'Is it a double role?': Akshay Kumar sports two different looks in Welcome To The Jungle announcement clip; fans unhappy with Welcome sequeltwitter
'Is it a double role?': Akshay Kumar sports two different looks in Welcome To The Jungle announcement clip; fans unhappy with Welcome sequel
'Is it a double role?': Akshay Kumar sports two different looks in Welcome To The Jungle announcement clip; fans unhappy with Welcome sequeltwitter
'Is it a double role?': Akshay Kumar sports two different looks in Welcome To The Jungle announcement clip; fans unhappy with Welcome sequel
'Is it a double role?': Akshay Kumar sports two different looks in Welcome To The Jungle announcement clip; fans unhappy with Welcome sequeltwitter
'Is it a double role?': Akshay Kumar sports two different looks in Welcome To The Jungle announcement clip; fans unhappy with Welcome sequel
'Is it a double role?': Akshay Kumar sports two different looks in Welcome To The Jungle announcement clip; fans unhappy with Welcome sequeltwitter
'Is it a double role?': Akshay Kumar sports two different looks in Welcome To The Jungle announcement clip; fans unhappy with Welcome sequel
'Is it a double role?': Akshay Kumar sports two different looks in Welcome To The Jungle announcement clip; fans unhappy with Welcome sequeltwitter

Helmed by Ahmed Khan, Welcome To The Jungle features an extensive ensemble cast including Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi, Paresh Rawal, Disha Patani, Tusshar Kapoor, Johnny Lever, Puneet Issar, among many others. With the shoot now complete, the makers have shared their excitement and pride in the ambitious project. As the countdown to its mid-2026 release begins, Akshay Kumar and Raveena Tandon's reunion stands out as one of the film's biggest highlights.

'We miss you, Katrina!': Akshay Kumar recreates iconic 'Uncha Lamba Kad' with Disha Patani in Welcome To The Jungle; fans say, 'Don't ruin classic OG song'
'We miss you, Katrina!': Akshay Kumar recreates iconic 'Uncha Lamba Kad' with Disha Patani in Welcome To The Jungle; fans say, 'Don't ruin classic OG song'instagram

About Welcome series

The Welcome series began in 2007 with Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif leading the cast alongside Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Mallika Sherawat and Paresh Rawal. Welcome Back, released in 2015 with John Abraham and Shruti Haasan as leads. While it received mixed reviews, the franchise maintained its popularity. This third film promises the same blend of action, comedy and chaos. Ahmed Khan is directing with a script by Farhad Samji.​​