The highly anticipated third instalment of the iconic Welcome franchise, Welcome To The Jungle, is officially ready to storm the box office. In a move that has thrilled fans of the long-running comedy series, the makers have confirmed that the film will hold nationwide paid preview shows on June 25, 2026, a day before its grand worldwide theatrical release on June 26, 2026.
The paid previews are scheduled to commence at 7:30 PM across cinemas in India, following a release strategy that has become increasingly popular in the 2026 exhibition landscape. By hosting these early shows, the producers aim to capitalize on the immense curiosity surrounding the franchise’s revival and build strong momentum heading into the opening weekend.
The culture of paid previews has gained significant traction this year, proving to be a highly effective tool for high-profile releases. Films like Dhurandhar: The Revenge and Bhooth Bangla utilized similar strategies earlier this year, releasing early evening shows to boost their opening-day tallies and cultivate positive word-of-mouth.
For Welcome To The Jungle, which boasts an expansive ensemble cast and the weight of a massive comedy franchise, these previews serve as a runway to tap into front-loaded demand. With advance bookings already open as of June 23, exhibitors are reporting a surge in interest from fans eager to be among the first to witness the “madcap” world created by director Ahmed Khan.
Welcome To The Jungle arrives as perhaps the most ambitious project in the series to date. The film features an unparalleled ensemble cast that blends veteran comedy icons with rising stars, including:
- The Leads: Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Raveena Tandon, and Lara Dutta.
- The Supporting Stars: Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Arshad Warsi, Jackie Shroff, Paresh Rawal, and Johny Lever.
- The Extended Cast: The list continues with Shreyas Talpade, Tusshar Kapoor, Rajpal Yadav, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Daler Mehndi, Aftab Shivdasani, and many more, promising a non-stop barrage of comic energy.
Directed by Ahmed Khan and presented by A.A. Nadiadwala, Cape of Good Films, and Star Studio18, the film is a Base Industries Group Production, produced by Firoz A. Nadiadwallah, Rakesh Dang, and Vedant Vikaas Baali.
Following a rigorous certification process by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), which recently cleared the film with a U/A 16+ rating after 18 specific cuts and modifications, the stage is set for the final rollout. The film, which has a runtime of 164.5 minutes, promises a chaotic, laughter-filled plot involving a billionaire who attempts to fake financial losses by producing a movie doomed to fail.
With advance bookings officially underway for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the makers are optimistic that the early preview trend will provide the necessary push for a massive opening. As the excitement reaches a fever pitch, audiences across the country are gearing up to dive back into the wild, unpredictable world of the Welcome series.
Bookings are now open—ensure your seats are secured for the most chaotic comedy event of the year!
