The King is back!
For the first time in five years, Bollywood's grandest megastar, Shah Rukh Khan (Don: The Chase Begins Again; Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge; Veer-Zaara), has announced a new film, and it's one that absolutely can't be missed - although, the wait is going to be just a little longer than we'd hoped.
After a lot of speculation and nearly two years of filming in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Yash Raj Films have finally announced Pathaan, a spy action thriller from director/writer Siddharth Anand (War; Bang Bang!; Salaam Namaste).
The movie will bow in theaters on January 25, 2023; coinciding with the Republic Day holiday in India, which sets the stage for a gargantuan opening weekend for SRK's first film in a leading role since 2018's Zero. Principal photography has been underway since late 2020, with schedules in Mumbai, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Spain. While they're assuredly nearing the finish line, it seems like there is still some work to be done before it's ready for release.
Khan will star in the title role with frequent collaborator Deepika Padukone (Chennai Express; Om Shanti Om; xXx: The Return of Xander Cage) as the female lead and John Abraham (Dhoom; Dostana; Satyameva Jayate) reportedly playing the primary antagonist. Dimple Kapadia (Dil Chahta Hai; Dabangg; Tenet) will appear in a key supporting role.
SRK's longtime friend and fellow icon Salman Khan (Mujhse Shaadi Karogi; Ek Tha Tiger; Tiger Zinda Hai) is slated to make an extended cameo as Avinash Singh Rathore, reprising his role from YRF's ongoing Tiger action franchise.
This announcement has been a long time coming for fans of the legendary actor and marks what should only be the beginning of his long-awaited comeback tour, which will also include an untitled action film (rumored title Lion) with South Indian director Atlee (Bigil; Mersal; Theri) and an untitled social comedy with ace director Rajkumar Hirani (Munna Bhai M.B.B.S.; Lage Raho Munna Bhai; 3 Idiots). The former is already in production.
Check out the official release date announcement below: