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Anees Bazmee Responds to Nana Patekar’s Absence in ‘Welcome To The Jungle’
Exploring the Director’s Take on the Welcome Franchise Evolution
The highly-anticipated third installment of the beloved Welcome franchise, ‘Welcome To The Jungle,’ was officially announced last week, setting fans abuzz with excitement. However, the absence of iconic actor Nana Patekar from the cast has raised eyebrows and prompted discussions. In response to Nana Patekar’s comments on his omission from the film, director Anees Bazmee has shared his perspective in a recent conversation with India Today.
The Welcome Franchise Legacy
The first two installments of the Welcome series, aptly titled ‘Welcome’ and ‘Welcome Back,’ featured the dynamic duo of Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor in pivotal roles. These films, directed by Anees Bazmee, achieved remarkable success and etched their characters into the hearts of fans. It is this iconic partnership that laid the foundation for the franchise’s popularity.
Nana Patekar’s Comment on His Absence
Nana Patekar, known for his charismatic presence and impeccable acting, addressed his exclusion from ‘Welcome To The Jungle’ and speculated that the filmmakers might view him as “dated.” His candid remarks stirred curiosity about the reasons behind his absence.
Anees Bazmee’s Perspective
Director Anees Bazmee, who was instrumental in crafting the success of the Welcome franchise, expressed his views on Nana Patekar’s comments and his own absence from the third installment. Bazmee stated, “I myself am not a part of it. Yes, I heard what Nana Patekar ji said. Well, now I have no say in its casting. If the makers have taken any decision, it must have been taken after careful consideration.”
The director went on to highlight the integral role played by Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor in the earlier films, stating, “I would just like to say that if I was directing this film, it would not have been possible for me to make this film without Nana Patekar and Anil Kapoor. Both the characters have been iconic. Even today, some videos related to him are seen on social media. Both of them have been important characters. I can’t imagine this film without them.”
Welcome To The Jungle’ – A Star-Studded Affair
Despite the absence of the iconic duo, ‘Welcome To The Jungle’ boasts a star-studded ensemble cast that promises to deliver an entertaining cinematic experience. The lineup includes prominent names such as Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi, Paresh Rawal, Johnny Lever, Rajpal Yadav, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Daler Mehndi, Mika Singh, Rahul Dev, Mukesh Tiwari, Sharib Hashmi, Inaamulhaq, Zakir Hussain, Yashpal Sharma, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Jacqueline Fernandez, Disha Patani, and Vrihi Kodvara.
Behind the Scenes
The film is being produced by Jyoti Deshpande and Firoz A Nadiadwala and is currently in the pre-production stage. Directed by the accomplished filmmaker Ahmed Khan, ‘Welcome To The Jungle’ is scheduled for a theatrical release on December 20, 2024. As the project evolves, it promises to offer fans a fresh perspective on the beloved franchise while paying homage to the iconic characters and performances that made Welcome a household name.
In conclusion, Nana Patekar’s absence from ‘Welcome To The Jungle’ has sparked curiosity and discussions among fans and cinephiles. Director Anees Bazmee’s acknowledgment of the significance of Patekar’s and Kapoor’s roles in the earlier films emphasizes the indelible mark they left on the franchise. As ‘Welcome To The Jungle’ takes shape with its star-studded cast, anticipation builds for a new chapter in the Welcome legacy, one that will undoubtedly captivate audiences when it hits theaters in 2024.
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