Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming film King, directed by Siddharth Anand, is his most expensive project yet, with a budget of Rs 450 crore excluding his acting fee and promotional costs. The action thriller, set for release on December 24, 2026, promises grand international locations, top stunt teams, and a star-studded cast including Deepika Padukone and Abhishek Bachchan.
Shah Rukh Khan films are nothing short of events. And his most recent movie, King is shaping up to be the biggest of them all, because it is reportedly Shah Rukh Khan’s most expensive movie ever, made on a budget of around Rs 450 crore. That figure leaves out his acting fee and the print and publicity costs, according to a Bollywood Hungama report. So, it edges past Jawan, which was made on about Rs 400 crore. Directed by Siddharth Anand, the action thriller reaches theatres on December 24, 2026. Check out what the Rs 450 crore covers, who is in the film, and how King compares with Shah Rukh Khan’s other costly productions like Jawan, Pathaan and Ra.One.
King went on floors in May 2025, and the production has been built for scale ever since. The team has reportedly shot for more than 150 days across international locations, working with some of the world’s leading stunt teams, all on a budget of around Rs 450 crore that excludes Shah Rukh Khan’s fee and the print and publicity costs. A source quoted by Bollywood Hungama says the makers want that scale visible in every frame. The film is also his first big-screen outing in about three years.
The promotions have now begun. The first song, Tu Mil Jaaye, arrived at midnight on November 2, Shah Rukh Khan’s 61st birthday, and pairs him with Deepika Padukone. It features Arijit Singh’s vocals and an English rap by Ed Sheeran, with music by Sachin-Jigar. Kareena Kapoor has also shared a glimpse of her song with him in the film, ahead of the December 24 release.
The film is produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix Pictures, with the story conceived by Sujoy Ghosh. Shah Rukh Khan plays a gritty lead who takes on a formidable antagonist, played by Abhishek Bachchan. The film also marks the theatrical debut of Suhana Khan. Rani Mukerji, Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Jaideep Ahlawat, Arshad Warsi, Raghav Juyal and Abhay Verma are in key roles, and Deepika Padukone appears in a special role.
Jawan (Rs 400 crore): Directed by Atlee and released in 2023, this action spectacle gave Shah Rukh Khan a dual role. Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi co-starred, with Deepika Padukone in a special appearance. Priyamani, Sanya Malhotra and Girija Oak were also in the ensemble.
Pathaan (Rs 350 crore): Also released in 2023, this Siddharth Anand film brought Shah Rukh Khan back in a full-fledged lead role after a four-year gap. He plays an Indian spy who comes out of exile to stop Outfit X, led by John Abraham’s Jim. Deepika Padukone features, and Salman Khan appears as Tiger. It is the fourth film in Aditya Chopra’s YRF Spy Universe.
Ra.One (Rs 150 crore): Released in 2011 and directed by Anubhav Sinha, this science-fiction superhero film was produced by Gauri Khan under Red Chillies Entertainment. Shah Rukh Khan played a dual role opposite Kareena Kapoor Khan and Arjun Rampal.