Released in 2007, Welcome completed 18 years, reminding audiences of an era when multi-starrer comedies ruled the box office. The film played a key role in shaping Akshay Kumar’s image as a dependable comedy superstar, a journey that began with Hera Pheri and continued with several successful laugh riots.
Directed by Anees Bazmee, Welcome arrived at a time when ensemble casts and clean comedy were the audience’s first choice. Made on a reported budget of around ₹30 crore, the film went on to collect nearly ₹117 crore worldwide, becoming the second highest-grossing film of 2007. It also marked Akshay Kumar’s first ₹100 crore grosser, a major milestone at a time when crossing that figure was considered extraordinary.
The power of Welcome lay in its cast. While Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif were the lead pair, the film truly belonged to its supporting and character actors. Legendary actor Feroz Khan, in his final screen appearance, delivered a stylish and memorable performance as RDX. His screen presence overshadowed many, adding gravitas and flair to the comedy.
Alongside him, Nana Patekar as Uday Shetty and Anil Kapoor as Majnu Bhai became iconic, with their comic timing and chemistry turning several scenes into classics. Paresh Rawal as Dr Ghungroo added warmth and humour, while actors like Mallika Sherawat, Asrani, and Supriya Karnik supported the narrative effectively. Veteran actor Om Puri appeared as the narrator, lending his distinctive voice to the story.
What further elevated Welcome was the contribution of its supporting cast. Performances by Vijay Raaz, Sanjay Mishra, Mustaq Khan, Paresh Ganatra, and Ranjeet added layers of humour. Actors like Snehal Dabi, Adi Irani, and Sharad Sankla also left a mark, making even minor characters memorable.
Eight years later, the franchise continued with Welcome Back in 2015. The sequel featured John Abraham and Shruti Haasan in the lead roles, while the late Feroz Khan’s iconic part was taken over by Naseeruddin Shah. Nana Patekar surprised audiences with a double role. Made on a bigger budget, the film went on to earn around ₹167 crore worldwide and was declared a superhit, though many fans still felt the original Welcome had a charm that could not be replicated.
Now, the franchise is set to return once again with Welcome to the Jungle. The upcoming film will see Akshay Kumar back in the series, joined by Paresh Rawal and Sunil Shetty, along with a massive ensemble cast including Arshad Warsi, Rajpal Yadav, Shreyas Talpade, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, and several others.
