Almost eight years later, Bollywood is set to see all three Khans return to cinemas in the same year. Each star has a major project lined up in 2026, with trade expectations suggesting these releases could strongly influence their careers ahead.
The last time Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Aamir Khan released films in the same year was 2018. That year saw Race 3, Zero, and Thugs of Hindostan arrive in theatres and all three struggled at the box office.
In 2026, the trio plans a comeback with high profile films. Salman Khan headlines the war drama The Battle of Galwan, while Shah Rukh Khan leads the spy thriller King, both generating early industry buzz.
Aamir Khan will appear in an extended cameo, as per reports, in his production Lahore 1947. The film stars Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta, Ali Fazal, and Shabana Azmi, adding further weight to its ensemble cast.
Trade expert Taran Adarsh described the year as something to watch closely. He noted that these projects carry strong potential, even though some previous films from these stars have failed to meet expectations.
Speaking about Salman Khan, Taran Adarsh said his mass appeal remains unmatched. He added that once the film connects with audiences, Salman’s fan base alone can elevate the box office performance significantly.
On King, Taran expressed confidence in its domestic and international prospects. He highlighted the large star cast and stated that filmmaker Siddharth Anand is expected to deliver a compelling cinematic experience.
Film analyst Atul Mohan echoed similar views on King. He observed that early reactions appear positive and that public sentiment seems favourable towards Shah Rukh Khan at this stage.
Atul Mohan also commented on Salman Khan’s box office strength. He pointed out that even weaker films featuring Salman often cross Rs 100 crore, citing Sikandar from 2024 as an example despite its overall failure.
Despite Dunki underperforming, Atul remained optimistic about King. He stated that one average film can be overlooked, especially after the massive success of Pathaan and Jawan in recent years.
Distributor and exhibitor Raj Bansal offered a contrasting opinion. He expressed disappointment with the teaser of Battle Of Galwan, stating that a more aggressive portrayal could have drawn larger crowds.
Raj Bansal also shared reservations about the teaser of King. Although not impressed initially, he added that Shah Rukh Khan’s presence alone is likely to generate strong excitement among audiences.
On Lahore 1947, Taran Adarsh recalled the successful past collaborations of Sunny Deol and Rajkumar Santoshi. He suggested that this pairing could deliver another notable film, with Aamir Khan producing it.
Atul Mohan highlighted that Sunny Deol won National Awards for two Rajkumar Santoshi films. These were Ghayal from 1990 and Damini from 1993, strengthening confidence in their reunion.
Girish Johar shared insight into Lahore 1947, noting that the story remains within Pakistan and contrasts with Gadar. He added that Sunny Deol, Rajkumar Santoshi, and Aamir Khan together raise expectations.
While all three Khans aim for major success in 2026, memories of 2018 remain fresh. That year ended with three box office disasters, prompting cautious optimism from audiences and industry observers.
The upcoming releases may play a key role in shaping the future of Bollywood’s biggest stars. These films could either reinforce their lasting legacy or signal the need for another defining spectacle.
