Shah Rukh Khan's upcoming action thriller, "King," is generating considerable buzz, and recent reports suggest it could be one of the most expensive Indian films ever made. Initial reports indicate a staggering production budget of ₹350 crore. Here’s a breakdown of what we know so far about this highly anticipated project.
A Budget Befitting a King
According to Bollywood Hungama, the production cost for "King" is approximately ₹350 crore, positioning it among the priciest action films to emerge from Indian cinema. This substantial investment reflects the ambition to create a global-scale action spectacle. To put it in perspective, this budget surpasses that of Khan's own blockbuster, "Pathaan". However, it's important to note that this figure doesn't include additional expenses such as promotions and other ancillary costs.
From Modest Beginnings to Grand Vision
Interestingly, "King" wasn't always envisioned as a mega-budget action film. Initially, the project was conceived as a smaller-scale action thriller with an estimated budget of ₹150 crore, with Sujoy Ghosh as the director. Shah Rukh Khan was initially cast for an extended cameo. However, things changed when Siddharth Anand, known for directing "Pathaan" and "War", stepped in. Recognizing the script's potential for a grander scale, Anand convinced Khan to increase the budget significantly.
Reportedly, Shah Rukh Khan, known for his love of providing audiences with rich visual spectacles, gave Anand creative freedom, and the director returned with a ₹350 crore budget.
Action on a Global Scale
Siddharth Anand aims to create a film that can compete on a global stage, delivering Hollywood-level action at a fraction of the cost. Reportedly, Anand has designed six world-class action sequences for "King". Three of these sequences will be filmed on real locations, while the remaining three will be created on elaborate sets. A significant portion of the budget is allocated to Shah Rukh Khan's introductory scene, promising to be a major highlight.
Cast and Crew
"King" is produced by Gauri Khan, Siddharth Anand, and Mamta Anand under Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix Pictures. The film boasts a star-studded cast, including Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Suhana Khan (making her Bollywood debut), Abhishek Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Arshad Warsi, Raghav Juyal and Rani Mukerji.
Suhana Khan's role is said to be central to the story. The film will also reportedly feature two timelines, with a younger Shah Rukh Khan battling Raghav Juyal, while the older "King" faces off against Abhishek Bachchan. The story is reportedly inspired by the 1994 French film Léon: The Professional.
Release and Expectations
"King" is currently under production and is scheduled for a theatrical release in 2026. The film's teaser, unveiled on Shah Rukh Khan's 60th birthday on November 2nd, generated significant excitement among fans.
With its massive budget, star cast, and Siddharth Anand's direction, "King" is poised to be a significant cinematic event. The film aims to redefine the scale of Indian action cinema and deliver a global-caliber spectacle.
