Bazmee, who has largely stayed away from remakes, said he agreed to the project after responding to the film’s sharp writing and strong comic potential. “Akshay’s timing elevates every comedy he touches,” the director said, expressing confidence that their partnership would recreate the on-screen energy audiences associate with them.
Their reunion has also renewed interest in Welcome, the cult comedy that continues to dominate pop culture nearly two decades after its release. The film’s enduring appeal, from one-liners to viral memes, remains a defining chapter in both their careers.
Industry insiders note that Welcome was never intended to be a full-fledged comedy. Bazmee had initially developed it as a romantic film, but the narrative shifted after he introduced the idea of a gangster brother. Characters like Uday Shetty, Majnu Bhai and RDX quickly took centre stage, transforming the script into an ensemble comedy driven by eccentric personalities.
The film’s spontaneous evolution also shaped its most recognisable elements, including Majnu Bhai’s now-famous “donkey-on-a-horse” painting. Crew members later recalled that the absurd artwork was intentionally created to look amateurish, with Bazmee himself sketching it during a break on set.
With their new project now in motion, trade analysts expect the Akshay–Bazmee pairing to generate significant buzz. The remake is slated to go on floors later this year, with the production team yet to announce the supporting cast and release timeline.
