Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming action drama KING is growing bigger with every update. What was once planned as a mid-range action thriller has now transformed into a massive Rs 350 crore global spectacle.
According to industry sources, the film’s original Rs 150 crore budget was revised after director Siddharth Anand joined the project. The decision was made to elevate KING into a full-fledged international action film featuring Shah Rukh in a never-before-seen avatar.
Reports suggest that the Rs 350 crore figure covers only the film’s production, excluding expenses related to marketing, promotions, and other overheads. This places KING among the most expensive Indian films ever made.
Initially, KING was set to be directed by Sujoy Ghosh, with Shah Rukh appearing in an extended cameo. However, after discussions with Siddharth Anand, the team chose to expand the scale. Anand reportedly convinced Shah Rukh that the film had the potential to match global standards while being produced at one-fifth of the Hollywood cost using advanced Indian technology.
The film will reportedly feature six high-octane action sequences three shot on real locations and three on elaborate sets. Shah Rukh’s introduction scene is said to be one of the most expensive sequences ever filmed in Indian cinema.
While the massive budget has generated huge buzz, some cinephiles wonder whether scale alone guarantees quality. Many point out that Shah Rukh’s biggest hits often relied more on storytelling and emotion than extravagant budgets.
Still, with KING being helmed by Siddharth Anand known for blockbusters like Pathaan and Fighter expectations are sky-high. The film is produced by Gauri Khan and Mamta Anand and is slated for a 2026 release.
Fans across the globe are now waiting to see if KING can truly redefine Indian action cinema.
