‘King’: Shah Rukh Khan’s New Poster Sparks Backlash Over Alleged Heavy AI Edits and ‘Dhurandhar’ Similarities

The release of a new promotional image for Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming action thriller King has sparked widespread debate online. While fans initially welcomed the fresh look, the poster quickly faced criticism on social media platforms, with netizens accusing the makers of overusing Photoshop and AI-generated elements. In addition to editing complaints, several users drew sharp comparisons between the poster's visual style and that of the film Dhurandhar. ‘King’: Teaser of Shah Rukh Khan’s Upcoming Actioner Set for a Grand Release on THIS Special Date!.

‘King’ Makers Unveil New Poster

On October 27, 2026, the official promotional poster for King was unveiled across social media channels, giving audiences a closer look at Shah Rukh Khan’s character. The actor shared the image alongside a caption referencing an iconic line from his 1999 hit film Badshaah: "Aaj phir yaad aaya... Qaatil nahi… Aashiq hoon…"

The poster features an intense, gritty design showing Khan walking through a fiery backdrop with a weapon in hand and a red rose held between his teeth. The release also reconfirmed the film's theatrical release date, set for December 24, 2026. While dedicated fan bases celebrated the superstar's return to a high-octane action avatar, the artwork swiftly caught the attention of sharp-eyed online commentators.

‘King’ New Poster Sparks Trolling

Shortly after its release, social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit were flooded with reactions criticising the poster's execution. Critics pointed to unconvincing editing, airbrushed textures, and unnatural lighting, with several users describing the image as "cheap AI-generated slop" and calling out visible digital alterations around the actor's face and background.

A user wrote, "You can try to copy the aesthetic, the fire, and the frame, but you can never be Dhurandhar," posted one user on X.   "Every masterpiece has its cheap copy," commented another, referencing the visual similarities between the two film assets.  "Not every similar-looking poster is a copy... comparing two posters and yelling 'copy' isn't the flex you think it is," countered a fan defending the release.

Netizens React to ‘King’ Poster 

The discussion expanded beyond artificial intelligence critiques, as netizens noticed visual similarities with the key art of the Ranveer Singh-starrer Dhurandhar. Commentators highlighted overlapping design choices, including identical fiery colour grading, composition framing, and dramatic environmental debris. Some users even pointed out similarities to Donnie Yen's 2021 action feature Raging Fire. ‘King’: Kareena Kapoor Khan To Join Shah Rukh Khan’s Upcoming Actioner for Special Cameo? Deets Inside

More About ‘King’

Directed by Siddharth Anand, King marks one of the most anticipated Indian cinematic releases of 2026. The action spectacle features an ensemble cast, including Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukerji, and Suhana Khan in prominent roles.   Despite the online controversy surrounding its latest poster, anticipation for King remains exceptionally high. Neither Shah Rukh Khan nor the film's production team at Red Chillies Entertainment have issued a response regarding the social media feedback, as the project continues its scheduled promotional rollout ahead of its worldwide December release.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 27, 2026 05:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).