In a shocking turn of events, Jio Studios has decided to withdraw its support for two of the most anticipated comedy films of 2024, Welcome To The Jungle and Hera Pheri 3, starring Akshay Kumar. The reason behind this move is reportedly the non-payment of dues to the technicians of Welcome 2, the previous instalment of the franchise.
Jio Backs Out Of Two Akshay Kumar starrers produced by Firoz Nadiadwala
According to sources, the producer of Welcome 2, Firoz Nadiadwala, has not cleared the pending payments of the crew members, who have been demanding their rightful remuneration for a long time. Jio Studios, which had partnered with Nadiadwala for the distribution and presentation of Welcome 2, was also affected by this dispute and decided to cut ties with him.
“Ever since the announcement of Welcome To The Jungle, issues around finances are happening between Jio and Firoz Nadiadwala. There are some pending debts for Firoz, which yet remain unpaid. Due to all the legalities and pending litigation, Jio Studios for now has taken a back seat from Welcome To The Jungle,” a trade source told Bollywood Hungama.
Deal between Jio and Firoz was cracked by Akshay Kumar
The deal between Jio and Firoz Nadiadwala was cracked by Akshay Kumar. “Akshay is still making efforts to be the peace maker in resolving the conflicts. If things get better, Jio might take back the seat again, but at the moment, Jio is out. If one notices, there is no logo of Jio on the clapboard of Welcome To The Jungle and that’s due to the decision of parting ways. The studio has taken a back seat from both – Welcome 3 and Hera Pheri 3,” the trade source told further.
The news has come as a huge blow to the fans of Akshay Kumar, who were eagerly waiting for the release of these films. Welcome To The Jungle had recently unveiled its teaser, which showed the cast performing acapella in a jungle setting. The film was slated to hit the theatres on December 20, 2024, as a Christmas treat. Hera Pheri 3, on the other hand, was still in the pre-production stage and had no official announcement yet.
As a result, Jio Studios has backed out of the production of Welcome To The Jungle and Hera Pheri 3, which were supposed to be co-produced by Nadiadwala and Jyoti Deshpande. Both the films are the third instalments of the popular comedy franchises, Welcome and Hera Pheri, and feature Akshay Kumar in the lead role along with other stars like Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, and Arshad Warsi.
While the first schedule of Welcome 3 has already been done, the makers are looking to start next schedule in February. “Firoz and Akshay are confident to find another studio or resolve all disputes around Welcome to the Jungle to get Jio back on board, before starting a new schedule in February,” the trade source shared.
It is not clear whether Nadiadwala will be able to find another partner to revive these projects or whether Akshay Kumar will continue to be associated with them. The actor had reportedly entered into a profit-sharing agreement with Nadiadwala for these films, foregoing his acting fees. However, with Jio Studios pulling out, the future of these films looks uncertain.
(Also read: Shocking: Anees Bazmee Breaks Silence On Exiting Hera Pheri 3, Says ‘Unhone (Firoz) Jo Mujhe Idea Bataya Woh…’)
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