Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘King’ Dubai Shoot Cancelled Amid Rising West Asia Tensions, Desert Scene Shifted To Mumbai

Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘King’ Dubai shoot has been cancelled due to rising tensions in West Asia. The action sequence will now be recreated in Mumbai.

Shah Rukh Khan’s King shifts its grand Dubai action sequence to Mumbai amid rising security concerns.

Source : Twitter/@Shahab2SRKian50

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King, led by Shah Rukh Khan, has encountered an unexpected hurdle as its international shooting schedule in Dubai has been called off. With tensions escalating in West Asia, the makers have opted to prioritise safety, shifting a crucial desert action sequence to Mumbai instead. While the change may alter the backdrop, the scale and ambition of the film remain firmly intact.

Dubai Schedule Cancelled Over Security Concerns

The production team had meticulously planned a week-long shoot in Dubai starting April 9, securing all necessary permissions well in advance. The sequence was set to feature Suhana Khan and Anil Kapoor alongside Shah Rukh Khan.

However, as the geopolitical situation intensified, the makers decided against proceeding with the overseas schedule. 

Mumbai Set To Recreate Grand Desert Sequence

Rather than delaying production, the team has moved swiftly to recreate the desert environment within a controlled studio setup in Mumbai’s Vile Parle. Designed to match director Siddharth Anand’s vision, the set will allow greater command over action choreography and lighting.

The sequence is expected to open with a high-speed chase before transitioning into an intense combat segment, maintaining the cinematic scale originally envisioned.

High Stakes, Bigger Scale

King is shaping up to be one of Bollywood’s most ambitious projects. The film also stars Abhishek Bachchan, reportedly in a negative role, and Deepika Padukone in key parts.

In one of its standout moments, a major action sequence filmed in Europe between Shah Rukh Khan and Abhishek Bachchan is said to have cost a staggering ₹50 crore, underlining the film’s grand scale.

Production Challenges And Delays

The film has already faced setbacks in the past. During a shoot in July 2025 at Golden Tobacco Factory in Mumbai, Shah Rukh Khan sustained an injury while performing an action scene. This led to a six-week pause as the actor travelled to the United States for treatment.

Despite these interruptions, filming has continued steadily, with large portions already completed at Mehboob Studio, including a complex jail sequence involving 200 stunt performers.

Release Date Locked

Directed by Siddharth Anand, King is slated for a festive release on December 24, 2026, positioning it as a major Christmas blockbuster.

Wider Impact On Bollywood Productions

The ongoing tensions have not only impacted King but also disrupted other Bollywood projects. Akshay Kumar’s Welcome to the Jungle has similarly cancelled its Dubai schedule. Director Ahmed Khan is now recreating elaborate sets in Mumbai to accommodate a large ensemble cast.

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