Iran Claims Control of Strait of Hormuz Amid Escalating Tensions with US
Siddharth Anand Says ‘King’ Won’t Chase a Formula Despite High Expectations
Feb 12, 2026Filmmaker Siddharth Anand has addressed the mounting expectations surrounding King, the upcoming Shah Rukh Khan starrer slated for release on December 24, 2026. The film, positioned as a major Christmas release, marks SRK’s return to the big screen after a three-year hiatus following his blockbuster run in 2023.
Speaking about the pressure of working with a megastar like Shah Rukh Khan, Anand clarified that while expectations are inevitable, they do not dictate his creative decisions. “I wouldn’t say there’s pressure, but I would say there are expectations. And that comes when you work with a megastar like SRK. So, I’m aware of those expectations. But if I start pandering to them, then it’s a mistake; I’ll go wrong in my filmmaking. Because if there were a formula for catering, then everyone would be making blockbusters,” he said.
Drawing from his experience directing Pathaan, Anand emphasized that chasing box-office numbers or attempting to replicate a formula can be creatively damaging. He explained that second-guessing audience preferences often undermines a filmmaker’s instinct and vision.
“We never made Pathaan with that intention or with the dream of achieving the numbers it eventually did. And I think that’s where the magic lies,” Anand added, underlining his belief that authenticity, rather than calculation, leads to success.
With King already generating significant buzz, Anand’s comments signal that the film will prioritize storytelling over formulas, even as expectations continue to soar.
Most Recent
