King: Shah Rukh Khan claims Christmas 2026; new salt-and-pepper assassin avatar unveiled!

Shah Rukh Khan leads King an actioner out December 24, 2026. Directed by Siddharth Anand, this "Léon"-style thriller features Abhishek Bachchan as the villain.

Shah Rukh Khan in King date announcement video

The formal announcement of the release date for the high-octane action movie King has strengthened the scene in Indian cinema for late 2026. Shah Rukh Khan and Siddharth Anand have set the film's worldwide theatrical debut for December 24, 2026. The announcement sets a definitive timeline for what is touted as one of India's most expensive cinematic ventures, coinciding with the three-year anniversary of their previous record-breaking collaboration, Pathaan.

How does King redefine the SRK-Siddharth Anand duo?

The film industry is celebrating a watershed moment with SRK and Anand's reunion. The second collaboration between the duo, this time under the umbrellas of Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix Pictures, has been the subject of much discussion following the enormous success of Pathaan in 2023 under the YRF Spy Universe. The newly released promotional video features Khan in a daring "salt-and-pepper" style and gives an impression of a gritty, darker universe compared to their earlier work.

The fact that Suhana Khan makes her big-screen debut in King makes it all the more intriguing. According to reports, the story is based on the legendary French thriller Léon: The Professional and is an action-packed drama. Suhana plays the character of an apprentice to Shah Rukh, who plays a slick, seasoned assassin from the underworld. Despite the film's intensive training segments and high-stakes missions, the father-daughter bond serves as its emotional foundation.

ALSO READ: King first-look poster: Shah Rukh Khan is a blood-splattered, silver-haired anti-hero who trades charm for menace

What are the scale and budget of King’s production?

Six large-scale action sequences were shot in several foreign locales, including Poland, and in Mumbai to a considerable extent, with a total production budget of almost Rs 350 crore.

Along with an impressive ensemble cast, the film features Abhishek Bachchan as the film's main antagonist. Leading the cast with a key role is Deepika Padukone. The supporting cast includes seasoned performers like Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff, as well as Arshad Warsi, Jaideep Ahlawat, Raghav Juyal, and Abhay Verma. Rani Mukerji also makes a pivotal cameo.

Who is behind King's music?

With Anirudh Ravichander composing the score and soundtrack, the technical staff is just as impressive. There have been whispers of worldwide musical collaborations, with British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran supposedly being one of them.

Thorough market research led to the release date of Christmas Eve. By deciding to release in late December, the producers have avoided a potential box office clash with the epic Ramayana by giving themselves 45 days to prepare. The local appetite for an actioner starring Shah Rukh Khan is expected to dominate the Indian market around the New Year period, even if Hollywood's Avengers: Doomsday is set to arrive a week before.

How is the film’s tagline shaping the King’s new onscreen persona?

"Darr nahi, Dehshat hoon" is the tagline that will supposedly reimagine the King's onscreen persona, and the countdown to the film's release date has already begun.

King FAQs:

Q: What is the release date for Shah Rukh Khan’s movie King?

A: King is officially scheduled for a global theatrical release on December 24, 2026, coinciding with the Christmas holiday weekend. This date marks exactly three years since the release of Shah Rukh Khan’s last major collaboration with director Siddharth Anand, Pathaan.

Q: Is King a remake of the movie Léon: The Professional?

A: Yes, reports indicate that King is an action-driven drama inspired by the 1994 French classic Léon: The Professional. In this adaptation, Shah Rukh Khan plays a seasoned underworld assassin who takes his daughter, played by Suhana Khan, under his wing as a protégé.

Q: Who is the villain in the movie King?

A: Abhishek Bachchan has been cast as the primary antagonist in King. He is set to face off against Shah Rukh Khan in what is being described as a high-stakes, intense rivalry. The film also features a massive supporting cast including Jaideep Ahlawat and Raghav Juyal in significant roles.

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