'King': Shah Rukh Khan's Action-Thriller to Look Out For – Cast, Roles & Everything We Know So Far

There’s always another form of magic whenever Shah Rukh Khan is announcing a new movie. But King is not another movie—One of the most awaited movies of 2026, and indeed a reason for that too. Not only is it SRK’s comeback to the big screen post-Dunki (2023), but it’s a unique film as well wherein he shares screen space with his daughter, Suhana Khan, for the first time.

With Siddharth Anand directing and a star-studded cast, King is going to be a heart-wrenching, action-filled spectacle. With updates on casting and character rumors creating waves continuously, let’s dissect everything that we know thus far.

Also Read: ‘Bhool Chuk Maaf’ Announced for Theatrical Release on May 23 — A Return Rich in Drama, Delay, and Determination

Shah Rukh Khan: A Mentor, An Assassin, A Father

At the center of King is Shah Rukh Khan himself, playing a shadowy assassin with rich emotional depths. But this isn’t your typical larger-than-life action hero.

This character is said to be a dominating presence in the world of crime—intricate, intense, and authoritative. But what makes this part all the more special is that he is not doing it alone. He is going to be guiding a young protégée, played by none other than his actual daughter, Suhana Khan.

The assassin-mentor dynamic sets up an emotional arc that could be unlike anything we’ve seen from SRK before. Think Raees meets Pathaan, but with the added layer of father-daughter emotion—both onscreen and off.

Also Read: Sitaare Zameen Par Trailer: Aamir Khan Coaches Differently-Abled Team to Glory

Suhana Khan: From OTT to the Big Screen

After making her debut in The Archies, Suhana Khan is all set for her big-screen breakthrough. In King, she reportedly plays SRK’s protégé—learning the ropes of survival in a high-stakes, morally murky world. But there’s more to her character than being a mere apprentice. Suhana’s character is the focal point of the story and her storyline seems to be the emotional core of the movie.

Rumours indicate that she’ll be dealing with personal and professional issues, besides a romantic angle with Abhay Verma’s character. For viewers, it’s an opportunity to see Suhana take center stage in an emotionally charged, high-octane part—one guaranteed to make a big splash.

Also Read: Rajkummar Rao’s ‘Bhool Chuk Maaf’ Faces Legal Roadblock: Theatrical vs. OTT Battle Intensifies

Rani Mukerji: An Emotional Cameo That Propels the Plot

Rani Mukerji, long-time associate of SRK and close friend, is set to appear in a cameo appearance—but one that carries some punch. Rani is said to play Suhana’s mother. Although her screen presence is brief (only five days of shoot), her presence is said to be the catalyst for the narrative. Her character is said to give emotional depth to the otherwise gruff action-thriller.

Rani and SRK’s magical on-screen track record from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai to Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna only makes the reunion a more nostalgic affair for fans.

Deepika Padukone: Mystery Role or Maternal Arc?

Deepika Padukone’s role in King has generated wide speculation. While there are reports that she plays Suhana’s mother, others claim her role is much more than a cameo.

One report by Pinkvilla suggests Deepika will be appearing in a full-fledged role—a role that’s central and commanding. Whether she is playing an emotional motherly figure or providing additional fire power to the action, fans are eager to see her rejoin SRK following their box office success stints on Pathaan and Jawan.

Abhishek Bachchan: The Indomitable Villain

One of the most intriguing announcements is the addition of Abhishek Bachchan as a key villain. This is an interesting showdown between SRK and Abhishek—a pairing we have not experienced in such magnitude.

Abhishek’s part is said to introduce the big threat that tests SRK and Suhana’s characters. With his skill at portraying charming and menacing parts (Dhoom, Bob Biswas), Abhishek might add a fascinating combination of menace and charm to King.

Anil Kapoor: Ram Lakhan to Handler in King

It’s always a pleasure when veterans get together. In King, Anil Kapoor is said to play Shah Rukh’s handler—a man working in the background, pulling strings and possibly helping the assassin navigate through his assignment.

Anil’s inclusion brings gravitas and nostalgia, particularly as he and SRK worked together for the last time in Trimurti (1995). Should reports be true, his role will form the epicenter of the thriller’s strategizing and plotting.

Arshad Warsi: The Comic Relief With Grey Shades

The moment Arshad Warsi is cast, you know you’re going to get a shot of wit and charm. His role is said to be small but crucial—attested to be sweet, quirky, hilarious, and slightly grey.

Sources claim Arshad signed with King solely based on his fandom of Shah Rukh Khan. It’s this personal aspect, coupled with his naturalness at commanding a scene, that makes his character worth looking out for—even if just for a few minutes of screen time.

Jackie Shroff & Jaideep Ahlawat: Double Dose of Villainy

Veteran thespian Jackie Shroff and scene-stealer Jaideep Ahlawat have been rumoured to play antagonists in King. This pair of villains will share screen space as constituents of the dark forces opposing SRK’s character.

Interesting is that they both have very different energies—Jackie with his vintage swagger and Jaideep with his gritty, intense approach (as witnessed in Paatal Lok). The combined effect is likely to be nothing short of incendiary.

Abhay Verma: The Romantic Arc in a Dark World

Abhay Verma, who has appeared in The Family Man and Mumbaikar, is said to essay Suhana Khan’s lover. His role could provide a softer, emotional foil to the otherwise grim narrative.

Though Abhay has not officially confirmed it, his name has still been rumored to be linked to the movie. If true, the chemistry between him and Suhana would introduce a fresh element to King’s high-stakes universe.

Behind the Scenes: The Making of 'King'

Directed by Siddharth Anand (of Pathaan and War fame), King promises to be a slick action thriller with emotional depth. The screenplay is penned by Sujoy Ghosh along with Suresh Nair and Sagar Pandya, while dialogues are written by Abbas Tyrewala.

Originally scheduled to start shooting in May 2025, the project now has been tentatively shifted to July or August. Apparently, growing political tensions between India and Pakistan and creative tweaking asked for by Shah Rukh himself have prompted the postponement.

SRK is reportedly involved deeply in the crafting of the story, particularly given that it’s Suhana’s maiden outing on this level. The screenplay is being worked upon to make it provide spectacle as well as soul.

When Will 'King' Release?

There’s no official release date yet, but King is expected to hit theatres globally in the latter half of 2026. With the kind of hype and emotional stakes surrounding the film, it’s safe to say it’ll be one of the most awaited releases of the year.

Final Thoughts: Why ‘King’ Feels Like More Than Just a Movie

King isn’t merely another high-octane outing from SRK—it’s personal, it’s ambitious, and it’s symbolic. Seeing Shah Rukh Khan share screen space with Suhana in a story that cuts across crime, mentorship, and family is a treat fans didn’t know they had to have.

The supporting cast—from veterans like Jackie Shroff and Anil Kapoor to fan-favourites like Deepika Padukone and Rani Mukerji—only make the film more irresistible. As the cameras keep rolling and more information comes out, one thing is certain: King is turning out to be an emotional, intense, and unforgettable movie experience.