Middle East Tensions Force Bollywood to Relocate Shoots from Dubai to Mumbai

Mumbai. The escalating tensions in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel have begun to disrupt Bollywood film production schedules. Following the delay of Shah Rukh Khan's highly anticipated film 'King', the shooting for Akshay Kumar's upcoming comedy 'Welcome to the Jungle', which was scheduled to take place in Dubai, has now been cancelled.

According to the Indian media outlet Times of India, director Ahmed Khan had planned to film a special song featuring the entire star cast in Dubai. Despite waiting for the situation to normalize, the production team ultimately decided to cancel the Dubai shoot as tensions continued to rise. The song will now be filmed in Mumbai on a specially constructed set.

Due to the large ensemble cast, rescheduling was not feasible, so the production team has begun building sets at various locations in Mumbai. Elaborate sets, including luxury nightclubs, casinos, and private jets, are being constructed at Madh Island, Golden Tobacco Studio, and Film City in Goregaon. These sets are being designed by Sailesh Mahadik.

Director Ahmed Khan and producer Firoz A. Nadiadwala intended to present the song in a highly luxurious and glamorous style, for which Dubai was initially considered the ideal destination.

Previously, the shooting for Shah Rukh Khan's 'King', which was set to begin in Dubai on April 9, was also cancelled due to security concerns. The filming for 'King' will now take place at a studio in Vile Parle, Mumbai, where a desert set is being constructed.

Akshay Kumar's 'Welcome to the Jungle' is scheduled for release on June 26, 2026. Directed by Ahmed Khan, this multi-starrer film features a prominent cast including Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi, Raveena Tandon, Jackie Shroff, Paresh Rawal, Lara Dutta, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Shreyas Talpade.