Mumbai, India | January 5, 2026
Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming film King is shaping up as a Bollywood reimagining of the 1994 French cult classic Léon: The Professional, placing the superstar in the role of a hardened assassin who mentors a young girl drawn into a violent underworld.
As of January 2026, industry reports and storyline details point toward King following the core narrative structure of Léon, adapted for Indian audiences and scaled for a pan-India theatrical release.
A Léon-Style Storyline
In King, Shah Rukh Khan is set to portray a cold, highly skilled professional killer, living on the fringes of society. His character forms an unlikely bond with a young girl, played by Suhana Khan, who becomes both his protégée and emotional anchor—mirroring the mentor-student dynamic central to Léon: The Professional.
Suhana Khan’s role reportedly involves training, survival, and moral awakening, marking a performance-driven theatrical debut under the shadow of one of cinema’s most iconic character relationships.
Indian Adaptation, Bigger Scale
While retaining the emotional and structural backbone of Léon, King is expected to expand the story with larger action set pieces, heightened stakes, and a broader espionage backdrop, aligning with contemporary Bollywood action-thriller sensibilities.
The film is being directed by Siddharth Anand, known for mounting large-scale spectacles such as Pathaan, with Sujoy Ghosh attached as co-writer, signaling a darker, character-focused tone beneath the action.
Cast and Characters
Shah Rukh Khan: Professional assassin and mentor
Suhana Khan: Trainee/protégée making her theatrical debut
Abhishek Bachchan: Main antagonist
Deepika Padukone: Reportedly in a special appearance
Rani Mukerji, Anil Kapoor, Arshad Warsi: Key supporting roles
Release Window and Franchise Plans
King is expected to release in late 2026, with Gandhi Jayanti (October 2) or Diwali 2026 being considered. Given the scale and narrative depth, producers are also exploring a two-part release format, positioning King as a potential franchise.
Latest Visual Updates
A leaked image of Shah Rukh Khan featuring a salt-and-pepper look and visible tattoos has intensified comparisons with Jean Reno’s portrayal in Léon. The visual shift has been widely praised online.
There is also industry chatter that Deepika Padukone’s first-look reveal may coincide with her birthday on January 5, though no official confirmation has been made.
Box Office Expectations
With Shah Rukh Khan headlining and Léon-style storytelling at its core, King is being viewed as one of 2026’s biggest commercial bets, with trade estimates projecting ₹1,000 crore-plus worldwide potential.
