Bollywood
King: Shah Rukh Khan and Siddharth Anand Lock Christmas 2026 Release; Strategic 45-Day Gap from Ramayana
The anticipation for Shah Rukh Khan's next big-screen venture has reached a fever pitch.In what is being reported as an exclusive scoop by Bollywood Hungama, the makers of the high-octane action thriller King have officially locked December 25, 2026, for its global theatrical release. This move confirms that King Khan will be reclaiming the lucrative Christmas window, a slot he has successfully dominated in the past. According to trade sources, the decision to opt for a Christmas release was highly strategic. The team was initially considering a December 4 window, but decided to skip it to avoid any proximity to Nitesh Tiwari's magnum opus, Ramayana.By locking December 25, the makers have ensured a 45-day gap between the release of Ramayana and King.This breathing space is intended to allow both tentpole films—one a divine epic and the other a modern action spectacle—the opportunity to maximize their box office potential without eating into each other's business.Director Siddharth Anand has been teasing this announcement on social media recently with cryptic posts, further fueling the Announcement on the way buzz. King is set to be a landmark film for several reasons, most notably because it marks the theatrical debut of Suhana Khan. She will be sharing the screen with her father, Shah Rukh Khan, in a full-fledged role. Reports suggest the film is inspired by the French classic Leon: The Professional, with SRK playing a sleek, deadly assassin and Suhana portraying his student. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film features a stellar lineup, headlined by Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role, reportedly portraying a deadly assassin. Adding to the excitement is the theatrical debut of Suhana Khan, who joins her father on screen as his protege. The project also marks a major face-off as Abhishek Bachchan has been cast as the main antagonist, playing the formidable villain, while Abhay Verma is set to appear in a pivotal role. Beyond the primary cast, there is significant industry buzz regarding the broader ensemble; names like Deepika Padukone (rumored for a powerful cameo), Jaideep Ahlawat, and Arshad Warsi are heavily linked to the project, promising one of the most star-studded cinematic events in recent years. While Sujoy Ghosh was initially tied to the director's chair, the reigns have now been officially handed over to Siddharth Anand, who previously collaborated with SRK for the historic blockbuster Pathaan. Sujoy Ghosh remains an integral part of the project, credited with the story and screenplay alongside Siddharth Anand, Suresh Nair, and Sagar Pandya. The film is being produced on a massive scale under the banners of Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix Pictures, with a reported budget of ₹350 crore. Adding to the technical brilliance is musical sensation Anirudh Ravichander, who will be composing the soundtrack and background score, marking his second collaboration with SRK after the record-breaking Jawan. With principal photography nearing its final stages and post-production planned on a global scale, King is shaping up to be the most anticipated cinematic event of 2026. Fans can expect an official release date announcement from the makers within the coming week.
