After months of speculation and anticipation, it’s finally official — Shah Rukh Khan and director Siddharth Anand have commenced filming their action-packed thriller ‘King’ today at Mehboob Studios in Mumbai. The high-stakes project, which has seen multiple script revisions and scheduling delays, is now aiming for a Gandhi Jayanti 2026 release, aligning with a strategic holiday slot to maximize box office potential.
According to peeping moon sources, the October 2, 2026 release date — a Friday and a national holiday — has been carefully chosen to give King a head start at the box office. Given SRK’s historic run in 2023, industry buzz suggests this film could be poised to be his next ₹500-crore juggernaut.
A Gritty Revenge Drama with a Blockbuster Ensemble
Described as a “classic Siddharth Anand entertainer,” King promises a mix of high-octane action, emotional depth, and a global canvas. The story follows SRK as a battle-hardened assassin who teams up with his on-screen daughter, played by Suhana Khan, on a revenge mission following a personal tragedy. The film also stars Deepika Padukone in a key role, with Abhishek Bachchan set to play the central antagonist.
Adding further weight to the ensemble are Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Rani Mukerji, Arshad Warsi, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Abhay Verma in pivotal roles — making it one of the most star-studded casts of the year.
From Sujoy Ghosh to Siddharth Anand: The Evolution of ‘King’
Interestingly, King didn’t start off as the grand Shah Rukh Khan vehicle it is today. Originally conceptualized by Sujoy Ghosh with Suhana Khan in the lead and SRK in an extended cameo, the project has since undergone a significant transformation. With Siddharth Anand stepping in to direct, the narrative pivoted to focus squarely on SRK’s character, turning it into a high-budget, global action film.
This creative shift brought about multiple rewrites and a complete production reset, aligning the film’s tone more with Anand’s recent hits like War and Pathaan. The production will span several locations across India and Europe, adding a rich international flavor to the storytelling.
2026: A Year of Heavyweight Box Office Clashes
With King locking in Gandhi Jayanti 2026, the release calendar for that year is nearly saturated. Republic Day belongs to Sunny Deol’s Border 2, while Eid is set for a clash between Yash’s Toxic and Ajay Devgn’s Dhamaal 4. Independence Day will see Kartik Aaryan’s Naagzilla take on Varun Dhawan’s Bhediya 2, while Diwali is already claimed by Ranbir Kapoor’s ambitious epic Ramayana Part 1. Even Christmas is in high demand, with Vicky Kaushal’s Mahavatar and possibly Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War vying for a slot.
Despite the crowded landscape, King stands out for its timing, cast, and the SRK–Siddharth Anand brand power. The film’s production is expected to wrap by the end of this year, keeping it well on track for its October 2026 debut.
