Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan is set to return to the big screen with his much-anticipated project “King”, directed by Siddharth Anand and produced by Gauri Khan. The film, scheduled for release on October 2, 2026, is already being billed as one of the most ambitious Hindi films in recent years.
Father–Daughter Pairing on Screen
For the first time, Shah Rukh Khan will share screen space with his daughter Suhana Khan, who made her digital debut in The Archies in 2023. Industry analysts say this pairing is one of the biggest draws for audiences, combining the superstar’s three-decade legacy with a new-generation talent.
The film also boasts a strong ensemble cast including Deepika Padukone, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Arshad Warsi, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Abhay Verma. Early trade reports suggest King has the potential to become a record-setting release given its line-up and scale.
Production and Release
Principal photography for King began in June 2025 after a brief delay to allow Anand to finalize the script. Sources close to the production confirmed that the team is working with international stunt choreographers to design large-scale action sequences, keeping in line with Anand’s previous successes such as Pathaan and War.
The release date — Gandhi Jayanti, October 2, 2026 — has been strategically chosen to capitalize on a long holiday weekend, a slot historically favorable for Bollywood blockbusters.
Global Music Collaboration
Adding to the film’s global appeal, British pop star Ed Sheeran has reportedly recorded a Hindi track for King, in collaboration with Arijit Singh. The song, tentatively titled Sapphire, will also feature a cameo by Shah Rukh Khan. The collaboration has created significant buzz on social media, underscoring the film’s crossover ambitions.
Shah Rukh Khan’s Global Footprint
Even as production on King progresses, Shah Rukh Khan continues to expand his influence beyond cinema. Earlier this year, he became the first Indian male actor to attend the Met Gala, where he spoke about the future of Indian cinema and his optimism about experimenting with storytelling formats.
Industry Expectations
Film trade experts believe King could replicate — and possibly surpass — the success of Khan’s recent hits Pathaan and Jawan. “With Siddharth Anand at the helm, Suhana Khan making her theatrical debut, and a holiday release date, King checks all the right boxes for a blockbuster,” said film analyst Komal Nahta.
At the same time, critics point out that expectations are sky-high, and the film will be closely watched for how effectively it blends high-octane action with emotional storytelling.
Parting Thoughts
As production gains momentum, King is shaping up to be more than just a film — it is being positioned as an event release. For Shah Rukh Khan, it represents the continuation of his late-career resurgence, while for Suhana Khan, it could be a defining launchpad into mainstream cinema. With over a year left before its release, King has already secured its place as one of the most talked-about projects in Bollywood.
