Ahmed Khan: Welcome to the Jungle budget was Rs 120 crore, not Rs 200-250 crore
Ahmed Khan's film 'Welcome to the Jungle' has crossed Rs 100 crore at the domestic box office within 10 days of release. The threequel in the Welcome franchise, starring Akshay Kumar, features an ensemble of 34 actors. In an interview, Khan discussed the challenges of managing such a large cast and the film's budget.
Khan explained that the script was written with an ensemble in mind, dividing characters into groups: a filmmaking crew, dons, and villagers. This helped in allocating screen time and dialogue. He highlighted character names like 'Dev-Das' for Rajpal Yadav and Paresh Rawal, and a partially blind cinematographer 'Nainsukh' played by Shreyas Talpade, adding irony and comedy.
Regarding the budget, Khan clarified that the film was made for Rs 110 crore, with total costs including prints and advertising at Rs 125 crore. He refuted rumors of a Rs 200-250 crore budget, stating that shooting for only 75 days kept costs down. Khan noted that each extra day of shooting increases expenses significantly, not just actor fees but also catering, per diem, and post-production costs.
Khan also revealed that the film had already recovered its budget before release through satellite, digital, and music rights. 'It was a hit on paper already,' he said. The film's box office earnings are now additional profit.
The interview also touched upon the return of iconic pairings like Akshay Kumar and Raveena Tandon, and characters like Suniel Shetty's 'Yeda Anna'. Khan described the ensemble as a 'comedy of errors' with carefully crafted stereotypes.
