Shah Rukh Khan’s ‘King’ Cancels Dubai Shoot Amid West Asia Conflict, Desert Sequence Recreated in Mumbai Studio
Mumbai, March 30, 2026 – The upcoming action-thriller “King”, starring Shah Rukh Khan, Suhana Khan, and Anil Kapoor, has faced a significant production shift as its planned shoot in Dubai was cancelled due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The team had originally secured permissions and was scheduled to begin a week-long shoot for a high-octane desert sequence starting April 9.
According to a Mid-Day report,
“The team had procured the necessary permissions to shoot in the emirate. It was supposed to be a week-long schedule starting April 9. But given the dynamic situation in the region, the makers decided not to take any risk with the cast and crew’s safety.”
Mumbai Studio Becomes a Desert for ‘King’
Instead of delaying the project, the makers swiftly adapted by recreating the entire desert setup at a studio in Vile Parle, Mumbai. Staying true to director Siddharth Anand’s vision, the production team has meticulously crafted a set that captures the scale and intensity of the original desert scenes.
Industry insiders say that the move highlights the team’s ability to turn unexpected challenges into creative opportunities, ensuring that the film’s action sequences remain as spectacular as planned.
“Safety comes first, but that doesn’t mean compromising on the cinematic experience. The recreated set in Mumbai is designed to match the grandeur of Dubai,” a source close to the production told Mid-Day.
Maintaining the Film’s Momentum
“King” has been one of the most anticipated films of 2026, with fans eagerly awaiting Shah Rukh Khan and Suhana Khan’s on-screen pairing. By swiftly adapting to circumstances, the production continues to maintain its momentum, ensuring that the release schedule is not impacted.
With the desert sequence now being filmed in Mumbai, the team hopes to deliver the same adrenaline-pumping experience audiences expect from Siddharth Anand’s signature action spectacles.
