'Replace star ratings with laughter emojis': Akshay Kumar's witty message to critics ahead of 'Welcome to the Jungle' release

With 'Welcome to the Jungle' just days away from hitting cinemas, Akshay Kumar has set the tone for what audiences can expect and done so in typically tongue-in-cheek fashion with a witty message aimed squarely at critics and influencers.

Akshay Kumar's funny request to critics

Taking to his Instagram story ahead of the film's June 26 release, Akshay Kumar made a playful appeal to reviewers. "Critics and influencers, please replace star ratings with laughter emojis," he wrote, a light-hearted nudge that perfectly captures the spirit of the comedy entertainer.The message quickly made rounds on social media, with fans appreciating the actor's humour and building excitement ahead of the release.

'Welcome to the Jungle' cast

Directed by Ahmed Khan, 'Welcome to the Jungle' boasts one of the largest ensemble casts in recent Bollywood memory. The film features Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Arshad Warsi, Jackie Shroff, Paresh Rawal, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Johny Lever, Shreyas Talpade, Tusshar Kapoor, Rajpal Yadav, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Daler Mehndi, Aftab Shivdasani, Urvashi Rautela, and several others, including the late Pankaj Dheer.

The 'Welcome' franchise

'Welcome to the Jungle' is the third instalment in the popular 'Welcome' franchise. The original 'Welcome' was released in 2007, starring Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Feroz Khan, and Paresh Rawal, and was directed by Anees Bazmee.The sequel, 'Welcome Back', followed in 2015, with John Abraham and Shruti Haasan stepping in to replace Akshay and Katrina. Anees Bazmee helmed that instalment as well.With Ahmed Khan now taking over directorial duties for the third chapter, 'Welcome to the Jungle' is shaping up to be a fresh and expansive take on the beloved franchise when it arrives in theatres on June 26.Apart from 'Welcome to Jungle', Akshay Kumar also has 'Haiwaan', co-starring Saif Ali Khan, lined up ahead for release.