India
Shah Rukh Khan’s New ‘King’ Poster Brings Back Memories of Iconic ‘Baadshah’: The Bollywood superstar blends romance and danger in his upcoming action thriller, King, scheduled to release in cinemas on December 24, 2026.
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan has sparked excitement among fans with a new poster for his highly anticipated film King. The latest promotional reveal features the tagline “Qaatil Nahi… Aashiq Hai,” offering a nostalgic nod to his 1999 film Baadshah.
The tagline, which translates to “Not a killer, but a lover,” recalls the memorable title track of Baadshah, which featured the lyrics “Aashiq hoon main, kaatil bhi hoon.” The reference has added a nostalgic dimension to the promotional campaign, connecting Khan’s upcoming film with one of the memorable titles from his earlier career.
The new poster was shared on social media through a post by Gauri Khan, generating fresh interest in the film ahead of its theatrical release on December 24, 2026.
Shah Rukh Khan Explores a Darker Character
King promises to showcase Shah Rukh Khan in an intense and potentially darker role. The superstar has previously described his character as ruthless and morally grey, offering audiences a different side of his screen persona.
Khan has built a remarkable career playing a wide range of characters, from romantic heroes and comedians to action stars and complex antiheroes. His role in King is expected to continue this evolution, with the film combining high-stakes action and an intense character-driven storyline.
The film’s title-reveal video, released in November 2025, introduced audiences to a powerful new avatar of the actor. The promotional footage featured the dialogue, “Sau deshon mein badnaam, duniya ne diya sirf ek hi naam – KING,” reinforcing the film’s larger-than-life image.
A Star-Studded Cast
Alongside Shah Rukh Khan, King features an ensemble cast that includes his daughter Suhana Khan, Deepika Padukone, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukerji and Raghav Juyal in significant roles.
The combination of established performers and emerging talent has made the project one of the notable Hindi film releases to watch in 2026. The film also marks an important on-screen collaboration between Shah Rukh Khan and Suhana Khan, adding another layer of interest for fans.
Directed by Siddharth Anand, the film is produced by Gauri Khan, Siddharth Anand and Mamta Anand under Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix Pictures.
Christmas Release Raises Expectations
Scheduled to arrive in cinemas on December 24, 2026, King is positioned for the lucrative Christmas holiday period. Its combination of action, romance, a star-studded cast and references to Shah Rukh Khan’s celebrated filmography could help attract audiences across India and international markets.
With each promotional reveal offering another glimpse into the film’s world, the latest poster demonstrates how nostalgia can be used to build anticipation for a new cinematic project. By recalling Baadshah while presenting a more dangerous and complex character, King seeks to connect the superstar’s enduring romantic appeal with his evolving action-hero image.
