King first-look poster: Shah Rukh Khan is a blood-splattered, silver-haired anti-hero who trades charm for menace
On his 60th birthday, Shah Rukh Khan unveiled the blood-splattered, anti-hero first look for his Siddharth Anand film, King, set for a 2026 release.
Last Updated: 03.07 PM, Nov 02, 2025
On the occasion of his 60th birthday, Shah Rukh Khan officially presented a spectacular first-look poster for his upcoming action spectacle, King. As a result, the global celebration of SRK Day reached a new peak today. With the smash hit Pathaan (2023) serving as his previous collaboration with filmmaker Siddharth Anand, the much-anticipated film is set for a spectacular theatrical premiere in 2026.
Strategic timing and fan frenzy
The poster, which showcases Shah Rukh in a dangerous, blood-splattered, and unimaginable new persona, was released across the actor's social media accounts at 2:11 PM, an intentional reference to his birthdate, 2/11. It has sparked a raging storm of fan enthusiasm.
In this closeup shot, the actor's steely, icy eyes take centre stage. His hair, a striking combination of silver and salt & pepper, gives him an edgy, dangerous appearance. Multiple bleeding scrapes visible over his face indicate a recent, brutal conflict. Among other unique items, a silver ear cuff adds to the character's edgy persona. His fingers are adorned with multiple rings, one of which bears a design resembling a pentagram or star. His hands and knuckles are covered with visible tattoos, which could indicate a life filled with risk and criminality.
Aura of menace and brutality
There is an obvious air of menace and brutality emanating from the way he holds his bloodstained hands near to his face in a tight grip. The silver hair against the dark, sombre background and the splash of crimson provide an immediate impression of the character as an anti-hero or a cunning, lethal mercenary—a clear change from his typically endearing roles.
Included in a bigger title-reveal film, the poster bore the bold title King in blood-red letters and became an instant hit on social media platforms. In a terrifying voiceover, Khan delivers the film's tagline, which has since become the headline: "Darr nahi, Dehshat hoon – #KING," which means "I am not fear, I am terror." This one statement paints the character as an intimidating, terrifying figure whose mere mention inspires reverence and terror on a worldwide scale. Reportedly, other excerpts from the title reveal include the following: "Sau deshon mein badnaam, duniya ne diya sirf ek hi naam—KING" (Infamous in a hundred countries, the world gave only one name—"KING").
Film style and star-studded ensemble cast
In addition to confirming that King will be a high-octane, stylish action film, the announcement states that Anand's signature stylised action choreography and massive scale will reinvent the genre. The project is a much-anticipated film, but for many fans it's also a joyous occasion marking the return of the 'King of Bollywood' to the action genre, albeit in a more sombre and mature style. Suhana Khan, daughter of Shah Rukh Khan, is said to be making her big-screen debut in the project. The ensemble cast supposedly also includes Anil Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, and Rani Mukerji.
With this birthday reveal, Shah Rukh has once again solidified his status as the apex of Indian cinema, and audiences can look forward to a film that pays homage to his work while also boldly reinventing it for a new age.
FAQs:
Q: When is the Shah Rukh Khan film King releasing?
A: The film King is officially slated for a grand cinematic release in 2026. The exact date has not been announced yet, but the first-look poster was unveiled on November 2nd, 2025.
Q: Who is directing the film King?
A: King is directed by Siddharth Anand, who previously collaborated with Shah Rukh Khan on the record-breaking 2023 action film, Pathaan.
Q: Who is in the cast of King?
A: The film King features Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role. It is also expected to mark the feature film debut of his daughter, Suhana Khan. The ensemble cast reportedly includes stars like Rani Mukerji, Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, and Anil Kapoor.