After the success of Pathaan in 2023, it was reported that Shah Rukh Khan would collaborate with Sujoy Ghosh for the latter's directorial venture, an action thriller film.[8] Reportedly produced by Pathaan director Siddharth Anand and Gauri Khan, the project was also reported to cast Suhana Khan in her feature film debut.[9] Titled King, production was claimed by reports to commence in November 2023.[10][11] Although the title King was initially acquired by Sajid Nadiadwala, as he had began a film in 2017 starring Hrithik Roshan directed by Kabir Khan which did not materialize, he gave the rights to Red Chillies Entertainment.[12][13] The initial filming schedule was to take place from November to March 2024, as Khan could later focus on Tiger vs Pathaan, but the plan was not followed.[14] Later, the filming was postponed to January 2024.[15] However, that plan was also not followed. In August 2024, Khan confirmed the project at Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland.[16][17] The following December, Siddharth Anand was announced to replace Sujoy Ghosh due to unknown reasons.[18][19] The film is reportedly inspired by 1994 French film Léon: The Professional.[20]
Casting
Shah Rukh Khan and his daughter Suhana Khan were confirmed to be part of the film in February 2024. Thus, marking Suhana's feature film debut after her appearance in The Archies (2023).[21] Earlier, reports indicated that Khan was cast for an extended cameo appearance however it was later confirmed to be a full fleding role.[22] SRK would reportedly play the role of a sleek and deadly assassin while Suhana's character would be a protege under him.[23][24]
In July 2024, Abhishek Bachchan was cast as the film's main antagonist.[25] In August 2024, Abhay Verma joined the cast for a pivotal role.[26]Deepika Padukone was confirmed to be a part of the film in April 2025. Thus, marking her fifth collaboration with Khan after Om Shanti Om (2007), Happy New Year (2014), Pathaan (2023) and Jawan (2023).[27] As Padukone was busy with her personal life, she had earlier declined the role with makers approaching Sonam Bajwa, Katrina Kaif and Preity Zinta for the same.[28] But later, on Khan's request and some schedule changing, Padukone was cast in the film.[29]Arshad Warsi also joined the cast in the same month.[30]
Anil Kapoor and Jackie Shroff joined the cast in May 2025. This will also mark the trio's (Khan, Kapoor and Shroff) second collaboration after Trimurti (1995).[31] In the same month, Rani Mukerji joined the cast as Suhana's mother in the film, this also marks her reunion with SRK after 19 years.[32]Jaideep Ahlawat confirmed his role in June 2025.[33] In the same month, Raghav Juyal and Saurabh Shukla were confirmed to be part of the film.[34]
Filming
The film's shoot was set to begin in early 2025, however it was delayed after Anand re-worked on the film's script work.[35]Principal photography began in Mumbai's Mehboob Studios in May 2025.[36] In June 2025, an intense jail action sequence was shot along with SRK at the same location along with 200 stunt performers. Sets resembling foreign jails were constructed.[37] During the shoot while performing some stunts, Raghav Juyal suffered a leg injury.[38] In July 2025, while performing some action sequences in Golden Tobacco Factory in Vile Parle, Khan also suffered from a muscular injury and had to travel to USA for immediate medical attention, thus pushing shoot by a month.[39][40]
The film's second schedule began in September 2025, with shooting taking place in Warsaw, Poland.[41][42] Warsi confirmed his presence on the set by sharing a picture from Warsaw's Old Town on Instagram; director Siddharth Anand responded to the post with the comment "Welcome to the Kingdom."[43]
Marketing
Leaked set photos have appeared on social media around September 2025.[44][45] The film's logo was accidentally unveiled in leaked photos from Poland.[46]
In early October 2025, while filming was reportedly ongoing, Anand posted a cryptic message, "Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.," on X. The post, made without direct reference to the film, led to widespread fan speculation that it was a countdown to the reveal of the film's first look.[47] He also shared behind-the-scenes moments from the set on his Instagram stories, including a picture of the crew during an early morning shoot.[48]
The title reveal of the film was released on 2 November 2025, coinciding with Khan's 60th birthday.[49]
Release
King was originally scheduled for release in 2025, then delayed until 2026.[50][5] It was again postponed with an anticipated release sometime in 2026.[51]
Music
The film's soundtrack is composed by Anirudh Ravichander. This will mark his second collaboration with Khan after Jawan (2023).[52]
As per reports, British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran could have a contribution in a Hindi-language track for the film. This rumor began from Shah Rukh Khan's appearance in the music video "Sapphire" by Sheeran and his related social media activity.[53]
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