Dubai shoot cancelled: Bollywood Film Shoot Shifts to Mumbai

‘Welcome To The Jungle’ UAE Shoot Cancelled Amid US-Iran Tensions, Makers Shift Schedule to Mumbai

Mumbai: The ongoing geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran are beginning to impact Bollywood film schedules, with another major project altering its plans. After reports of Shah Rukh Khan’s King cancelling its Dubai shoot, the makers of Welcome To The Jungle, led by Akshay Kumar, have now also called off their UAE schedule.

Dubai Shoot Cancelled, Mumbai Schedule Finalised

The film’s team, which includes a massive ensemble cast featuring Raveena Tandon, Disha Patani, Arshad Warsi, Jacqueline Fernandez, Lara Dutta, and Shreyas Talpade, was initially scheduled to travel to Dubai for a grand song shoot.

However, with the situation in the region remaining unstable, the makers have decided to shift the entire shoot to Mumbai.

Grand Sets to Be Built in Mumbai

According to a report by Mid-Day, elaborate sets will now be constructed across multiple locations in Mumbai, including:

Madh Island
Golden Tobacco Studio
Film City, Goregaon

These sets, designed by production designer Sailesh Mhadik, will recreate luxurious environments such as nightclubs, casinos, and private jets, aiming to match the opulence originally envisioned for Dubai.

Makers Confirm Change in Plan

Director Ahmed Khan confirmed the development, stating that the team had initially waited for nearly a month for conditions to stabilise in Dubai.

He said:

“Producer Firoz A. Nadiadwala and I envisioned this as a glamorous song showcasing the lavish lifestyle of the rich. Dubai would have been the perfect location, but with uncertainty continuing, we decided to move the shoot to Mumbai.”

He further added that the song will now be shot on a grand scale in Mumbai, with the entire cast participating.

Song Shoot Begins April 15

The high-budget song sequence is scheduled to go on floors on April 15, 2026. Despite the change in location, the makers are committed to delivering a visually extravagant and glamorous sequence, replicating international aesthetics through large-scale set designs.

One of Bollywood’s Biggest Ensemble Casts

Welcome To The Jungle features one of the largest ensemble casts in recent Bollywood history, with over 30 actors, including:

Suniel Shetty
Jackie Shroff
Paresh Rawal
Johnny Lever
Rajpal Yadav

The film is presented by
🎬 AA Nadiadwala and Star Studios

and is directed by Ahmed Khan.

Release Date Locked

Despite the schedule changes, the film remains on track for its theatrical release on June 26, 2026.

Impact of Global Tensions on Film Industry

This development highlights how global geopolitical tensions are increasingly affecting film production schedules, especially for projects dependent on international locations. With multiple big-budget films now shifting shoots back to India, Mumbai continues to serve as a reliable alternative for large-scale productions.