Speculation is rife that Shah Rukh Khan's upcoming film 'King' may be made on a budget of Rs 450 crore, following a cryptic note from director Siddharth Anand. The note, shared on social media, has left fans and industry insiders guessing about the scale of the project.
Director's Cryptic Note Fuels Budget Rumors
Siddharth Anand, known for directing 'Pathaan' and 'War', took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a post that read: "Some stories deserve the biggest canvas. #King." The post was accompanied by a picture of a chess king piece, leading many to believe that the film's budget could be around Rs 450 crore. According to sources close to the production, the film is being planned on a massive scale, with international locations and high-end visual effects.
Industry Reactions and Speculation
Trade analysts have weighed in on the possibility. Film business expert Taran Adarsh commented, "If true, 'King' would be one of the most expensive Indian films ever made. Shah Rukh Khan's star power and Siddharth Anand's vision could justify the budget." However, no official confirmation has been made by the makers. A source from Red Chillies Entertainment, the production house, stated: "We are not commenting on budget figures at this stage. The film is in pre-production, and details will be announced in due course."
Comparisons with Other Big-Budget Films
The rumored budget of Rs 450 crore would place 'King' alongside other high-budget Indian films like 'RRR' (estimated Rs 550 crore) and 'KGF: Chapter 2' (estimated Rs 100 crore). However, given the scale of Shah Rukh Khan's recent projects, such as 'Pathaan' (budget estimated at Rs 250 crore) and 'Jawan' (budget estimated at Rs 300 crore), the figure does not seem far-fetched. 'King' is expected to be an action thriller with a globe-trotting narrative.
What We Know So Far
While details about the plot remain under wraps, it is known that 'King' will feature Shah Rukh Khan in a never-seen-before avatar. The film is expected to go on floors later this year, with a release date likely in 2025. The director's cryptic note has only added to the anticipation, with fans eagerly awaiting official announcements. As of now, the budget remains a subject of speculation, but the director's choice of words suggests that the film will be a grand spectacle.
