SCOOP: Shah Rukh Khan and Siddharth Anand Lock Christmas 2026 Release for King

After the historic success of Pathaan, Shah Rukh Khan and director Siddharth Anand are all set to reunite for their next ambitious project, King. Touted as a large-scale action entertainer, the film boasts an ensemble cast led by Shah Rukh Khan, alongside Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Arshad Warsi, Suhana Khan, Abhay Verma and others. Over the past few days, King has been at the centre of intense speculation particularly around its release date.

We have now learned that the makers have locked a Christmas 2026 release for King. According to industry sources, Shah Rukh Khan and Siddharth Anand evaluated multiple release options, with early December and the Christmas weekend emerging as the strongest contenders. After careful consideration, the team decided that Christmas 2026 offers the most strategic and celebratory window for their high-octane spectacle.

The decision to avoid the December 4 slot is also said to be a conscious one. The makers were keen to maintain a respectful distance from Ramayana, which is expected to arrive around that time and potentially rewrite box-office records. By opting for a Christmas release, King ensures a comfortable gap of nearly 45 days between the two major releases allowing both films adequate breathing space at the box office.

With Christmas locked in, King is expected to enjoy a largely open run in the Hindi film market. While the Hollywood tentpole Avengers: Doomsday is slated to release a week earlier, Bollywood trade experts believe that for the core Hindi-speaking audience, the theatrical experience of a Shah Rukh Khan film during the festive season remains unparalleled.

An official announcement confirming the release date of King is expected in the coming week, adding to the already sky-high anticipation surrounding the film.

Credit: Bollywood Hungama.