Ahmed Khan on a busy slate: films, re-release and memories
Choreographer-turned-filmmaker Ahmed Khan is having a prolific run. Between finishing shoots, overseeing heavy post-production and remembering his mentors, he’s juggling several projects — and one of his breakthrough films is set to return to cinemas.
Welcome To The Jungle: mid-2026 on the cards
Ahmed revealed that Welcome To The Jungle recently wrapped a 12-day schedule across Mumbai and Dubai, with the film’s climax slated to be shot in December. On timing, he said simply: “It will be released in mid-2026.”
The comic caper is produced by Firoz A. Nadiadwallah and boasts a large ensemble cast, including:
- Akshay Kumar
- Paresh Rawal, Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi
- Johny Lever, Rajpal Yadav, Tusshar Kapoor
- Shreyas Talpade, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda
- Daler Mehndi, Mika Singh, Rahul Dev and others
- Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Jacqueline Fernandez, Disha Patani
- Child actor Vrihi Kodvara
Baap: action-heavy, post-production taking time
Baap — starring Sunny Deol, Sanjay Dutt, Mithun Chakraborty and Jackie Shroff and directed by Vivek Singh Chauhan — has wrapped shooting but remains in a lengthy post-production phase. Ahmed explained the delay: “It’s a very post-production-heavy film. That only took 9 months. It also has too much action.”
He added with a laugh that the studio partners at Zee Studios will soon announce the release date, and confirmed the film is expected to come out after Sunny Deol’s Border 2. Ahmed promised a unique treat: “All four actors are playing cool characters. It’s the first time you’ll see all of them together. It has full retro vibes.”
Rangeela to re-release on November 28
Rangeela (1995), the film that put Ahmed on the map, will be re-released in cinemas on November 28. The director spoke about the film with obvious affection, marking the comeback of one of his defining works to the big screen.
Remembering Saroj Khan and other mentors
On Saroj Khan’s birth anniversary, Ahmed paid an emotional tribute to his guru: “She’s engraved in my heart. You can’t forget certain people. Woh aapke rehnuma hote hai… When I am stuck, I shut my eyes and think of her. I ask myself, ‘What would Saroj ji have done in this situation?’ Instantly, I get my answer.”
He also credited other giants who shaped him — Ram Gopal Varma, cinematographer Ashok Mehta (whom he assisted), Mukul Anand, and a young Shekhar Kapur. Ahmed recalled working on ads and films like Trimurti (1995), calling himself fortunate to have learned from the legends.
What to watch for next
- Rangeela re-release: November 28
- Welcome To The Jungle: planned for mid-2026
- Baap: release date to be announced by Zee Studios (expected after Border 2)
Between ensemble comedies, retro-flavoured action and heartfelt tributes, Ahmed Khan’s next year looks set to please both mass audiences and those who follow his creative journey closely.
