Akshay Kumar Discusses Comedy Challenges in the Age of Social Media Ahead of 'Welcome To The Jungle' Release

Akshay Kumar, the renowned superstar, acknowledges that eliciting laughter has always been a tough task, but the rise of social media has made it even more challenging. With a plethora of funny reels, memes, and stand-up performances available, the landscape of comedy has transformed significantly.

Following his recent film, 'Bhooth Bangla', Akshay is set to launch his latest comedy venture, 'Welcome To The Jungle', which is part of the popular 'Welcome' series and is scheduled to hit theaters this Friday.

In an interview, Akshay expressed, 'The challenge has escalated. Nowadays, comedy is everywhere—on reels, memes, and various content platforms. However, comedy is like an endless river; it never runs dry. There are numerous styles, including physical comedy, situational humor, slapstick, and dark comedy.'

The 58-year-old actor noted that films are no longer the sole source of entertainment for audiences.

'There are countless avenues for laughter. A quick scroll through Instagram reveals an abundance of memes and humorous clips. Comedy is consumed daily, with numerous shows and talented stand-up comedians producing innovative material. Yet, making people laugh remains an incredibly challenging endeavor. Comedy is often underestimated, and I hold great admiration for stand-up comedians. Performing solo in front of an audience and making them laugh is no small feat.'

'Welcome To The Jungle' follows a group of eccentric gangsters and criminals whose lives intertwine in a jungle near the border. What starts as a film shoot spirals into a series of chaotic misadventures filled with crime, confusion, and action.

Akshay leads a star-studded cast of over 30 actors, including Suneil Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Raveena Tandon, Arshad Warsi, and Lara Dutta, among others.

The recently unveiled trailer showcases several self-deprecating moments, and Akshay shared his enjoyment in being the subject of the joke.

'I believe poking fun at oneself is far more enjoyable than making jokes at someone else's expense. When I joke about myself, it feels much healthier. For instance, there's a scene where Jackie’s character says, 'I’ve seen you somewhere.' To which Suniel replies, 'Do you watch flop films too?' When the director and writer presented that line, I instantly loved it. Why should I take offense? Haven't I had my share of flop films? Everyone has. Accepting that is what makes the joke resonate so well.'

Akshay relished the opportunity to portray a washed-up star from Bhojpuri cinema.

'I thoroughly enjoyed preparing for this role. Before filming the song, I watched around 30 to 40 Bhojpuri songs, including performances by Ravi Kishan and Pawan. I aimed to grasp their style, rhythm, and performance techniques. I discovered that Bhojpuri artists exude incredible energy in their performances. There’s a liberating quality to their work that requires one to shed all inhibitions. That natural flow of energy is essential, and I learned a great deal by observing them.'

The 'Welcome' franchise began with Akshay's 2007 blockbuster of the same name, featuring Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor, Paresh Rawal, Katrina Kaif, and the late Feroz Khan, followed by 'Welcome Back' in 2015.

When asked if franchise films are a secure choice, Akshay remarked that the film's quality is what truly matters.

'It's neither a risk nor a guaranteed success. A good film is a good film, regardless of whether it's part of a franchise. My recent release, 'Bhooth Bangla', was not a franchise, yet it resonated with audiences. Ultimately, the film's quality determines its success.'

'While audiences do recall earlier films, a movie will only thrive if it is genuinely good,' he concluded.

'Welcome To The Jungle' is directed by Ahmed Khan and produced by Star Studio18, Base Industries Group, Cape of Good Films, and Seeta Films.