Fact Check: Is the Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan Starrer ‘Tiger vs Pathaan’ Officially Shelved? (View Post)

Recent reports circulating on social media claim that Yash Raj Films (YRF) has officially scrapped its highly anticipated mega-project, Tiger Vs Pathaan. The rumours suggest that the film, intended to bring superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan together in lead roles was cancelled due to "astronomical" salary demands exceeding 100 crores each and a general shift away from high-budget risks. The rumours resurfaced after a Subhash K Jha article in Deccan Chronicle. Tiger vs Pathaan: Shooting of Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan Starrer To Begin From January 2024 – Reports.

Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan Starrer ‘Tiger vs Pathaan’ - See Post

Aditya Chopra Puts Film on Hold

Speculation intensified this week following reports from regional outlets and social media "insiders" claiming that producer Aditya Chopra decided to "put the project on ice." According to these claims, the studio deemed the film financially unviable after both lead actors allegedly requested triple-digit remunerations along with significant profit-sharing stakes. These rumours gained traction following the perceived underperformance of some recent big-budget releases in the industry.

'Tiger vs Pathaan' Not Shelved

As of February 14, 2026, Yash Raj Films has not issued an official statement confirming that Tiger Vs Pathaan is shelved. While the project has not yet moved into active filming, industry data and trade sources indicate it remains a part of the long-term YRF Spy Universe roadmap. Current production schedules show the studio is prioritising other installments in the franchise:

• Alpha: The female-led spy thriller starring Alia Bhatt and Sharvari is currently in post-production, eyeing a late 2026 release.
• Pathaan 2: Reports suggest that a direct sequel to the 2023 hit is in active development, which may precede the "versus" film to further build the narrative.

'Tiger vs Pathaan' on Creative Hold

Trade analysts suggest the project might be on a creative hold rather than being permanently discarded. Internal sources indicate that Aditya Chopra is re-evaluating the "roadmap" for the Spy Universe to avoid "formula fatigue." This involves refining scripts and potentially onboarding new directorial perspectives to ensure that a massive investment like Tiger Vs Pathaan delivers the necessary box-office returns.

‘Tiger vs Pathaan’ Faces Budget Speculation

While the specific salary figures of 100 crores remain unconfirmed, it is common knowledge in Bollywood that projects featuring two "A-list" superstars face extreme budgetary pressure. To make such a film profitable, the production must balance the massive upfront costs against a global theatrical recovery that would likely need to exceed 1,000 crores. Tiger Vs Pathaan is not officially shelved.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 14, 2026 04:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).