From Gorkha to Hera Pheri 3: 5 Akshay Kumar Mega Projects That Got Shelved or Are Still Stuck

Gorkha

When Gorkha was first announced, it instantly grabbed attention. The first look poster featured Kumar in battle gear, holding a kukri, evoking the image of a fearless soldier. Backed by Aanand L. Rai and Himanshu Sharma, and directed by Sanjay Puran Singh Chauhan, the film was expected to be a powerful war drama rooted in real-life heroism.

The excitement, however, was short-lived. Soon after the announcement, sections of the audience raised concerns over the film’s authenticity and representation. Questions were asked about factual accuracy, and the conversation quickly turned into a debate. What started as anticipation slowly transformed into hesitation.

Now, years later, Kumar has confirmed that the film is not moving forward. Addressing the issue, he mentioned that there were technical challenges and factual clarifications that needed to be resolved. While the door has not been completely shut, the current status is clear. Gorkha, as of now, is not happening.

Welcome to the Jungle

Among all the films on this list, Welcome to the Jungle is perhaps the only one that still seems likely to eventually release. Yet, even that journey has been far from smooth.

A massive ensemble comedy, positioned as a spiritual continuation of the popular Welcome franchise, the film promised scale, chaos, and a star-studded cast led by Kumar. On paper, it had everything going for it. In reality, it has been a production juggling act.

Over time, the film has faced multiple delays, ranging from scheduling conflicts to budget-related hurdles. Reports of shifting timelines have become a recurring theme, making it one of those projects that always seems close to completion but never quite ready.

As things stand today, the film is aiming for a June 26, 2026 release. Whether it finally arrives on that date remains to be seen. For now, it sits in that curious space where it is neither fully secure nor entirely uncertain.

That Amazon Prime Video Project (The End)

Every now and then, Akshay Kumar does something that reminds everyone why he has always been considered one of the boldest risk-takers in the industry. One such moment came when he announced his collaboration with Amazon Prime Video for a high-concept action series titled The End.

The announcement itself became an event. In a now iconic visual, Kumar walked onto the stage engulfed in flames, wearing a fire-resistant suit, casually owning the moment as if it were just another day at work. It was dramatic, theatrical, and completely in line with his larger-than-life persona.

The expectations from the project were sky high. A big-budget action series headlined by Kumar for a global streaming platform sounded like a game changer. It had the potential to redefine scale and ambition in the Indian OTT space.

And then, silence.

Despite the grand unveiling, the project gradually faded away from public discourse. Delays piled up, updates stopped coming, and eventually, it became clear that the show was no longer moving forward. What remains is the memory of that fiery announcement and the lingering question of what could have been.

Vedat Marathe Veer Daudle Saat

This project marked what could have been a significant turning point in Kumar’s career. Venturing into Marathi cinema with Vedat Marathe Veer Daudle Saat, he was set to portray the iconic role of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The announcement created immediate buzz, not just because of the subject but also because of the scale and ambition associated with it.

The initial promotional material showcased Kumar in a powerful avatar, hinting at a grand historical narrative. The film was planned as a major release, with a Diwali 2023 target in mind. Everything about it suggested that it was being positioned as a landmark project.

But as time went on, things began to unravel. Reports surfaced about financial constraints faced by the production. It was revealed that a significant portion of the film had already been shot, yet the remaining schedule could not be completed.

Years have now passed since its announcement, and the film remains in limbo. With no concrete updates and no visible movement, it appears to have quietly slipped into indefinite shelving. What once looked like a bold creative leap now stands as an unfinished chapter.

Hera Pheri 3

If there is one project that has achieved almost mythical status in Bollywood conversations, it is Hera Pheri 3. The mere mention of it is enough to spark debates, memes, and endless speculation.

Often compared to the long-running curiosity of whether a beloved TV character will return (like Daya in TMKOC), Hera Pheri 3 has become a question that refuses to go away. Will it happen? When will it happen? And most importantly, will the original trio reunite?

The franchise, anchored by Kumar alongside Paresh Rawal and Suniel Shetty, holds a special place in pop culture. That emotional connection only amplifies the anticipation around a third installment.

Over the past year, the film has been caught in a cycle of announcements, disagreements, and reconciliations. Public statements, reported disagreements over fees, and shifting confirmations have made it a constantly evolving story.

While there have been moments of hope, including confirmations of key cast members returning, the overall status remains uncertain. Kumar himself has addressed the situation with a simple yet telling response, indicating that nothing concrete is happening at the moment.

And that perhaps sums it up best. Hera Pheri 3 exists in a space where it is always being talked about, always being expected, but never quite materialising.