Shah Rukh Khan's 'King' Sparks Budget Buzz; Director Siddharth Anand Responds to ₹450 Crore Reports

Shah Rukh Khan's upcoming film King has become one of the most talked-about Bollywood projects even before its release. The action drama has generated enormous excitement among fans, not only because it marks the superstar's return after a gap but also because it will feature his daughter Suhana Khan alongside him on the big screen.

Recently, reports claiming that the film is being produced on a ₹450 crore budget went viral across social media. If accurate, the project would become the most expensive film of Shah Rukh Khan's career. However, director Siddharth Anand has reacted to these claims, raising questions about the reported figures.

Reports Claim 'King' Has a ₹450 Crore Budget

Several media reports suggested that King is being made with an estimated production budget of around ₹450 crore, excluding expenses related to printing and promotional campaigns.

The reported figure immediately attracted attention because it would surpass the production cost of Shah Rukh Khan's previous big-budget films.

Since the movie is being produced under Red Chillies Entertainment, industry observers noted that Shah Rukh Khan's acting remuneration may not necessarily be included in the estimated production budget, making direct comparisons with other films difficult.

However, the production house has not officially confirmed any budget details.

Siddharth Anand Calls the Reports Incorrect

Soon after the budget reports gained momentum online, director Siddharth Anand posted a brief message on social media platform X.

His post simply read:

"Wrong."

Although the filmmaker did not specify which report he was referring to, many fans interpreted the post as a denial of the widely circulated ₹450 crore budget estimate.

As no further clarification has been issued, the actual production cost of King remains unconfirmed.

Could 'King' Become Shah Rukh Khan's Costliest Film?

Before King, Shah Rukh Khan's highest-budget film was widely believed to be Jawan (2023), which was reportedly produced with a budget of around ₹300 crore.

If the ₹450 crore estimate is eventually confirmed, King would comfortably surpass Jawan and become the biggest-budget project of Shah Rukh Khan's career.

Industry experts point out that large-scale action sequences, international filming schedules, cutting-edge visual effects, and advanced production techniques often contribute significantly to the overall budget of modern blockbuster films.

Large-Scale Action and VFX Expected

According to reports surrounding the project, King is expected to feature several high-intensity action sequences supported by extensive visual effects.

The film's VFX work is reportedly being handled by Red Chillies VFX, the visual effects division known for contributing to several major Bollywood productions.

While official production details remain limited, expectations are high that the film will offer a visually ambitious cinematic experience.

Shooting Progress and Expected Release

Production on King reportedly began in May 2025, with filming expected to continue through August 2026.

Current reports indicate that the movie is scheduled for a theatrical release on December 24, 2026, positioning it as one of the major year-end Bollywood releases.

The makers, however, have yet to announce a detailed promotional schedule or unveil additional information regarding the film's storyline.

Suhana Khan to Share Screen with Shah Rukh Khan

One of the biggest highlights of King is the on-screen collaboration between Shah Rukh Khan and Suhana Khan.

While Suhana has previously appeared in a streaming project, King is expected to mark her first major theatrical film alongside her father. Their pairing has generated significant curiosity among moviegoers and remains one of the film's biggest attractions.

Fans are eagerly awaiting more announcements regarding the cast, trailer, music, and storyline as production continues.

With speculation surrounding its scale, action, and budget, King has already emerged as one of the most anticipated Hindi films of 2026. Until the filmmakers officially reveal more details, reports regarding the film's budget should be treated as unconfirmed.