Mumbai, India | January 16, 2026
Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming gangster drama King continues to dominate headlines as it secures the No. 1 spot on IMDb’s list of Most Anticipated Indian Films of 2026. The Siddharth Anand–directed action thriller has surpassed several high-profile releases, reaffirming SRK’s unmatched star power and the massive buzz surrounding the film.
⭐ ‘King’ Tops IMDb’s Most Anticipated List
IMDb recently unveiled its ranking of the Top Anticipated Indian Films of 2026, with King grabbing the first position.
The film outperformed:
Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: Part 1 — ranked No. 2
Thalapathy Vijay’s final film Jan Nayagan — ranked No. 3
This achievement highlights the overwhelming excitement across fan communities and the global film audience.
⭐ Major Cast Updates
King boasts one of the strongest ensemble casts of 2026:
Shah Rukh Khan (Lead Gangster Role)
SRK returns in a mass-action avatar with a darker, gangster-driven storyline.
Abhishek Bachchan (Main Antagonist)
Abhishek plays the primary villain, reportedly undergoing intense physical training and transformation for the role. Early reports describe his character as one of the most menacing antagonists in recent Indian cinema.
Suhana Khan (Film Debut)
The film marks Suhana Khan’s official big-screen debut, where she stars alongside her father Shah Rukh Khan for the first time.
Deepika Padukone
Deepika Padukone is also part of the cast. While details are guarded, industry insiders suggest she may appear in a significant cameo or pivotal supporting role.
Supporting Cast
Potential appearances include:
Anil Kapoor
Jackie Shroff
Arshad Warsi
Jaideep Ahlawat
These additions further elevate expectations for the project.
⭐ Release Window & Production Progress
Initially expected to release on Eid 2026, new trade reports indicate that date may shift due to:
Extensive VFX work
A packed shooting schedule
Current speculation places the release around:
October 2026 (Gandhi Jayanti weekend)
or December 2026 (holiday period)
⭐ Directed by Siddharth Anand
The film is helmed by Siddharth Anand, known for blockbuster hits like Pathaan and War. His signature blend of high-octane action and cinematic scale is expected to shape King into one of the biggest theatrical experiences of 2026.
⭐ Filming Locations
Principal shooting is currently underway in:
Budapest
Mumbai
Multiple international schedules are expected as well.
⭐ Why ‘King’ Is Creating Unprecedented Hype
SRK’s return after back-to-back global blockbusters
Suhana Khan’s debut alongside her father
Abhishek Bachchan’s villain transformation
Siddharth Anand’s mass-action direction
A massive ensemble and high-production scale
