Akshay Kumar’s upcoming comedy Welcome to the Jungle is set to join the growing list of Hindi films opting for paid previews ahead of release, with special shows scheduled for June 25, one day before its official theatrical debut.
The move continues a trend that has gained momentum in Bollywood this year, with films such as Dhurandhar: The Revenge, Bhooth Bangla and The Kerala Story 2 also utilising paid preview screenings before opening day.
The film becomes the second Akshay Kumar release this year to adopt the strategy after Bhooth Bangla, which reportedly collected Rs. 3.65 crore nett from its paid previews.
Paid previews are generally viewed as a way to generate early word-of-mouth and audience buzz before a film’s full release. They can also contribute to opening-day collections, as preview earnings are increasingly being included in first-day box office figures, unlike in previous years when they were reported separately.
According to pinkvilla Predicts, Welcome to the Jungle is currently expected to open in the Rs. 20-26 crore range. The addition of paid previews could influence those projections once advance ticket sales begin.
Advance bookings for the film are scheduled to open on Monday. The makers have also locked the film’s runtime at 2 hours and 28 minutes.
Directed by filmmaker Ahmad Khan, the comedy marks the third instalment in the Welcome franchise. Alongside Kumar, the ensemble cast includes Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Raveena Tandon, Paresh Rawal and several other actors.
One of Bollywood’s biggest releases of the year, Welcome to the Jungle is slated to arrive in cinemas worldwide on June 26, 2026.
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