If there is one on-screen pairing that consistently delivers magic, it is Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone. From the heartbreak of Om Shanti Om to the high-flying action of Pathaan, their chemistry is a box office guarantee. Now, fans have a major reason to celebrate. The beloved duo is officially set to reunite for their sixth film together, tentatively titled King.
This news comes just as reports confirmed Deepika Padukone‘s exit from the sequel to the upcoming sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD. It seems one door closed and another, perhaps even more exciting, one swung wide open.
A Partnership Forged in Box Office Gold
The collaboration between Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone is more than just successful. It is a defining partnership in modern Bollywood history.
Their first film together, Om Shanti Om (2007), launched a then-newcomer Deepika Padukone opposite the already-superstar Khan. It was a massive hit. They followed up with the critically acclaimed Chennai Express (2013) and the vibrant Happy New Year (2014), both of which shattered records. After a long hiatus, they returned with the blockbuster Pathaan (2023), which became one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time.
Each of their films has a unique flavor, but the common thread is their undeniable ease and connection on screen. This track record makes King one of the most anticipated projects in the pipeline.
What We Know About ‘King’ So Far
While official details are kept tightly under wraps, the industry is buzzing with information about this new project.
The film will be directed by Sujoy Ghosh, known for his brilliant work in the thriller genre with films like Kahaani and the recently released Jaane Jaan. This suggests King might lean more towards a suspenseful drama rather than pure action.
Sources indicate that King is not just another project for the pair. It is described as a deeply emotional story, and a note from Deepika Padukone to Shah Rukh, which she shared on her Instagram, hints at the special nature of this collaboration for both of them.
The Kalki 2898 AD Sequel Exit
News of Deepika Padukone’s sixth film with SRK broke almost simultaneously with reports of her stepping away from the sequel to Nag Ashwin’s Kalki 2898 AD. While the exact reasons for her exit have not been officially detailed, scheduling conflicts are often the cause in such high-stakes productions.
Her departure from the Kalki sequel undoubtedly clears her calendar for a deep commitment to King. For fans of the SRK-Deepika pairing, this trade-off is likely more than welcome.
Why This Collaboration Works Every Time
There is a unique, almost familial comfort level between Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone that translates seamlessly to the screen. He has often spoken about watching her grow from a debutante to one of the biggest stars in the world. She, in turn, has never hidden her admiration and respect for him as a co-star and mentor.
This real-life bond allows them to portray a wide range of relationships—from lovers to friends to adversaries—with a depth that feels genuine. It is a rarity in cinema, and audiences have responded to it for over 15 years.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How many movies have SRK and Deepika done together?
A: King will be their sixth collaboration. Their previous films are Om Shanti Om (2007), Chennai Express (2013), Happy New Year (2014), Pathaan (2023), and a special cameo appearance in Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (2016).
Q2: Who is directing the movie ‘King’?
A: King is being directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sujoy Ghosh, best known for the thriller Kahaani.
Q3: What is the genre of the new SRK and Deepika film?
A: While not officially confirmed, given director Sujoy Ghosh’s filmography, it is widely speculated that King will be a suspense thriller or a drama with thriller elements.
Q4: Why did Deepika Padukone leave the Kalki 2898 AD sequel?
A: There has been no official statement from Deepika or the producers of Kalki detailing her exit. The most common reason in such situations is scheduling conflicts with other projects, like King.
Conclusion
The announcement of King is a powerful reminder of the enduring appeal of great on-screen partnerships. In an era of cinematic universes and superhero team-ups, the simple promise of seeing two beloved stars share the frame again is enough to generate immense excitement.
While we wait for more details to emerge, one thing is certain: when Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone come together, history suggests we are in for something special. Keep an eye on this space for more updates as the story develops.
What do you think? Are you excited to see this iconic pair work with director Sujoy Ghosh? Share your thoughts and hopes for the film below.