Shah Rukh Khan is preparing for a powerful return to action with King, directed by Siddharth Anand. The film marks their second collaboration after Pathaan, which became a massive blockbuster in 2023 and earned Rs 1050 crore worldwide. With such a record behind them, expectations around King are naturally very high.
However, Siddharth Anand has made it clear that he does not believe in chasing box office numbers.
Siddharth Anand On King And Audience Expectations
In a recent interview with Variety India, the director spoke openly about the pressure and expectations tied to working with a megastar like Shah Rukh Khan.
Siddharth Anand said, “I wouldn’t say there’s pressure, but I would say there are expectations. And that comes when you work with a megastar like SRK. So, I’m aware of those expectations. But if I start pandering to them, then it’s a mistake; I’ll go wrong in my filmmaking. Because if there were a formula for catering, then everyone would be making blockbusters.”
He further explained, “If you start following a success formula, you begin second-guessing what the audience will like. And that will kill you as a filmmaker. We never made Pathaan with that intention or with the dream of achieving the numbers it eventually did. And I think that’s where the magic lies. When you start working only with that belief, that is the downfall. We are working hard on King as if it were our first film. We need to pass the test with the audience again. We are working with that intention. We are aware of expectations, but we don’t succumb to the pressure.”
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Anand’s comments come at a time when King has already generated huge excitement. In November last year, the makers released the first glimpse of the film. The teaser featured Shah Rukh Khan in a fierce action sequence, fighting goons with a gun.
One striking moment showed SRK holding a King of Hearts card in his mouth while covered in blood.
About Shah Rukh Khan Starrer King
King is described as a high-octane action thriller with a unique narrative structure. Reports suggest Shah Rukh Khan will be seen in a “grey” and ruthless avatar. His character is believed to be either an underworld don or a seasoned assassin.
Interestingly, the story unfolds across two timelines. Viewers will reportedly see both a younger and older version of SRK’s character. In the earlier timeline, he is expected to face Raghav Juyal. In the later phase, Abhishek Bachchan plays the main antagonist.
The film also holds special importance for the Khan family. King marks the major theatrical debut of Suhana Khan. She is said to play a key role as her father’s protégé, adding a fresh emotional layer to the story.
Produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix Pictures, the film is being mounted on a grand scale. Industry reports estimate the budget at around Rs 350 crore. The production includes lavish action sequences shot across Europe.
Although early rumours pointed to an Independence Day release, King is now slated for a worldwide theatrical launch on December 24, 2026. The Christmas weekend release positions it as one of the biggest films to watch out for.
