After delivering a historic blockbuster with Pathaan, Shah Rukh Khan and Siddharth Anand are all set to reunite for their next big-screen spectacle, King. And now, the makers have seemingly locked the most coveted release window of all — Christmas 2026.
According to reliable industry sources, the high-octane action entertainer starring Shah Rukh Khan is gearing up for a December 25, 2026 theatrical release, with an official announcement expected in the coming days.
Christmas 2026 Finalised After Careful Deliberation
As per insiders close to the development, the release date of King was discussed extensively over the last few weeks. Two prime dates were on the table — December 4 and December 25.
“Shah Rukh Khan and Siddharth Anand brainstormed multiple release scenarios. After weighing box-office dynamics, competition, and audience reach, they’ve finalised Christmas 2026 as the ideal window for King,” a source revealed.
The decision underlines the team’s confidence in the film’s scale and mass appeal, especially during the festive holiday period.
Why December 4 Was Avoided
Interestingly, King was originally expected to arrive on December 4, a date traditionally associated with Shah Rukh Khan releases. However, the team chose to steer clear of a potential clash with Ramayana, the much-anticipated epic slated for early December.
“SRK and Siddharth Anand were clear about maintaining a respectful gap from Ramayana, which is expected to rewrite box-office records. They didn’t want to risk overlapping releases or dilute either film’s impact,” the source added.
By opting for December 25, King ensures a 45-day gap from Ramayana, giving both films ample breathing room and uninterrupted theatrical runs.
A Clear Run At The Box Office
The Christmas window works strongly in King’s favour. As of now, no major Hindi film is scheduled for release on December 25, 2026, ensuring an open run during one of the biggest movie-going weekends of the year.
While Avengers: Doomsday is expected to release a week earlier, trade experts believe that Hollywood releases tend to be front-loaded.
“For Hindi film audiences, nothing matches the theatrical experience of a Shah Rukh Khan film. Christmas releases historically amplify that effect,” the source noted.
A Power-Packed Ensemble Cast
King boasts one of the most formidable star casts assembled in recent years. Alongside Shah Rukh Khan, the film features:
- Deepika Padukone
- Anil Kapoor
- Rani Mukerji
- Abhishek Bachchan
- Jaideep Ahlawat
- Arshad Warsi
- Suhana Khan
- Abhay Verma
The ensemble nature of the cast further positions King as a tentpole event film rather than a conventional solo-led actioner.
What To Expect From King
While plot details remain tightly under wraps, King is expected to be a stylish, large-scale action thriller, continuing Siddharth Anand’s signature blend of slick action, emotional stakes, and mass appeal — a formula that worked phenomenally with Pathaan.
The film also marks another significant milestone in Shah Rukh Khan’s post-comeback phase, following his record-breaking run with Pathaan, Jawan, and Dunki.
Official Announcement Coming Soon
Sources indicate that the makers are preparing to formally announce the release date within the next week, likely accompanied by a new poster or visual asset to kickstart the film’s promotional campaign.
With Christmas 2026 now firmly locked, King is shaping up to be one of the biggest Bollywood releases of the decade, both in scale and expectation.
