Production for Shah Rukh Khan’s highly anticipated action thriller King has hit an unexpected roadblock. The film’s international shooting leg in Dubai, originally scheduled to begin on April 9, 2026, has been officially cancelled due to the ongoing volatility and conflict in West Asia. Prioritising the safety of the high-profile cast and crew, director Siddharth Anand and the production team have opted to move the shoot to a controlled environment in Mumbai. Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘King’ Look Leaked! SRK Dazzles in Black Suit While Shooting Action Sequence for Siddharth Anand’s Upcoming Film (See Pics)

SRK’s 'King' Dubai Shoot Cancelled

The planned week-long schedule in the UAE was set to feature Shah Rukh Khan, Suhana Khan and Anil Kapoor in a series of high-octane desert sequences. While the production had already secured the necessary filming permissions in the emirate, the "dynamic situation" in the region prompted a last-minute change in plans. "The makers decided not to take any risk with the cast and crew’s safety," a report by Mid-Day confirmed. The decision marks a significant logistical shift for the big-budget project, which is aiming for a global Christmas release.

‘King’ Desert Set Recreated in Mumbai Studio

In a bid to maintain the film’s grand scale, the makers have commissioned the reconstruction of a full desert landscape at a studio in Vile Parle, Mumbai. Industry insiders suggest that filming in a studio offers the technical team more precision over complex elements. "They’ve gone all out to match the scale that Siddharth [Anand] envisioned for the set piece," the report stated. "In fact, this gives them more control over action beats and lighting. The sequence begins with a chase, resulting in an intense combat."

'King' Boasts Star-Studded Cast

King marks Shah Rukh Khan’s first theatrical release since Rajkumar Hirani’s Dunki in December 2023. In this action thriller, the superstar is reportedly set to play a seasoned assassin who mentors a young woman, played by Suhana Khan, training her to survive in a dangerous world. The film also features a star-studded ensemble cast including Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Arshad Warsi, Rani Mukerji, Jackie Shroff, Jaideep Ahlawat and Abhay Verma, making it one of the most ambitious Bollywood projects in recent years. Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘King’ Release Date Announced: Siddharth Anand’s Action Spectacle Set for Grand Christmas 2026 Theatrical Release (Watch Video)

‘King’ Set for Christmas 2026 Release

Despite the change in filming locations, the production remains on track for its holiday release. King is slated to arrive in cinemas on December 24, 2026, coinciding with the Christmas weekend. The film is expected to be a major technical showcase, blending Siddharth Anand’s signature sleek action with an intense father-daughter dynamic on screen.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 30, 2026 11:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).