Shah Rukh Khan, fresh off a hat-trick of blockbusters in 2023 (Pathaan, Jawan, Dunki), is set to headline his next action spectacle King, directed by Siddharth Anand. After initial scheduling conflicts, Deepika Padukone has officially signed on to play a full-length role opposite him—marking yet another high-profile reunion of one of Bollywood’s most beloved on-screen pairs.
A source reveals that the film’s delays actually played in Deepika’s favor. “Shah Rukh was always keen to have Deepika on board,” the insider explains. “Her dates clashed initially as she took time off after the birth of her child and focused on getting back in shape. Once King’s schedule shifted, everything aligned perfectly.” Other actresses such as Kareena Kapoor Khan and Katrina Kaif were briefly considered before the team settled on Deepika.
Principal photography for King is slated to begin on May 18 in Mumbai. The movie boasts an ensemble cast that includes Abhishek Bachchan, Suhana Khan, Arshad Warsi, Jaideep Ahlawat, and newcomer Abhay Verma. The action sequences—promising international-level thrills—will be choreographed by renowned foreign stunt coordinators and filmed across locations in India and Europe.
On the music front, composer duo Sachin-Jigar will craft the film’s songs, while Anirudh Ravichander has been brought in to score the background soundtrack. Director Siddharth Anand, known for previous Deepika collaborations (Bachna Ae Haseeno, Pathaan, Fighter), is aiming for a grand theatrical release in the final quarter of 2026, with the exact date to be locked in once filming wraps.
With its all-star lineup, high-octane action, and the proven SRK–Deepika chemistry, King is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated Bollywood releases of the coming year.
