Mumbai: Rani Mukerji and Abhishek Bachchan could be heading for a much-awaited on-screen reunion in Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming action thriller King, according to recent reports. The development has sparked considerable interest among Bollywood fans, particularly because the two actors have not shared the screen for nearly two decades.

According to a report by Mid-Day, Rani Mukerji and Abhishek Bachchan may be paired opposite each other in King. Abhishek is reportedly playing the antagonist in the Siddharth Anand directorial, while details about Rani’s role remain under wraps. The reported casting could bring back a familiar pairing from some of their most popular films.

However, it is important to note that the makers of King have not officially confirmed Rani Mukerji’s role or the reported pairing with Abhishek Bachchan. The details currently remain based on media reports and industry information.

Rani Mukerji and Abhishek Bachchan set for a nostalgic reunion

Rani Mukerji and Abhishek Bachchan have previously worked together in films including Bas Itna Sa Khwab Hai (2001), Yuva (2004), Bunty Aur Babli (2005), Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006) and Laaga Chunari Mein Daag (2007). Their last reported collaboration came almost 20 years ago, making their potential reunion in King particularly significant for audiences familiar with their earlier work.

The possibility of the actors being paired romantically in King adds another layer of intrigue. While Abhishek is reportedly set to portray the antagonist, the nature of Rani’s character and her relationship with his character has not been revealed.

The development also comes at a time when King is attracting attention for bringing together several established Bollywood stars. The film is headlined by Shah Rukh Khan and features Suhana Khan, Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff and Abhishek Bachchan among others.

Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji to reunite too

The reported casting of Rani Mukerji also marks another major reunion within King. Rani and Shah Rukh Khan last worked together in Karan Johar’s Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, which released in 2006.

Their return to the screen together after two decades has already generated excitement. During an #AskSRK interaction on X, Shah Rukh Khan was asked about his reunion with Rani. The actor responded warmly, saying that he loves Rani “with or without films”.

If the latest reports prove accurate, King could therefore reunite Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji after 20 years while also bringing Rani and Abhishek Bachchan together nearly two decades after their previous collaborations.

Abhishek Bachchan has confirmed he is part of King

While the details surrounding Rani’s role remain unconfirmed, Abhishek Bachchan’s involvement in King is established. In February 2026, the actor confirmed that a new look he had adopted was for the film and said that he was currently shooting for the project.

At the ET NOW Global Business Summit, Abhishek acknowledged that his changed appearance was connected to King. He did not disclose details about his character, citing agreements and non-disclosure arrangements surrounding the film.

Reports have subsequently suggested that the actor will appear in a negative role. His physical transformation also fuelled speculation that he would portray a formidable antagonist opposite Shah Rukh Khan. However, the exact nature of his character has largely been kept confidential.

What is known about Shah Rukh Khan’s King

Directed by Siddharth Anand, King is being positioned as a major action thriller centred on Shah Rukh Khan. The film also marks an important collaboration involving Suhana Khan, who is part of the principal cast.

The film has an ensemble cast that includes Shah Rukh Khan, Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff and other prominent actors. Abhay Verma is also associated with the project and has spoken publicly about his experience working alongside Shah Rukh Khan and other members of the cast.

Current listings indicate that King is scheduled for a theatrical release on 24 December 2026, placing it in the lucrative Christmas holiday period. BookMyShow also lists the film as an action thriller and confirms the 24 December release date.

Why the reported reunion has created excitement

The potential Rani-Abhishek reunion is significant because both actors have an established history together. Their earlier collaborations ranged from romantic dramas to socially themed films, and their pairing became familiar to Hindi cinema audiences in the 2000s.

A reunion in King would be notably different if the reports about Abhishek playing the antagonist and the two actors being paired opposite each other turn out to be accurate. It could allow the actors to revisit their on-screen association in a darker and more action-oriented setting.

At the same time, the film’s combination of Shah Rukh Khan, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Suhana Khan and other established names has contributed to the growing anticipation around the project.

Official confirmation is still awaited

Despite the growing reports, audiences will have to wait for an official announcement before drawing conclusions about Rani Mukerji’s exact role. Recent reports specifically state that the makers have not officially confirmed her involvement or the reported pairing with Abhishek Bachchan.

For now, the possibility of seeing Rani Mukerji and Abhishek Bachchan share the screen again has added another nostalgic element to King. If the reports are eventually confirmed, the film could offer audiences not only the spectacle of a Shah Rukh Khan-led action thriller but also several long-awaited Bollywood reunions.

Conclusion:

King is already one of the most anticipated Hindi films of 2026, and the reported reunion of Rani Mukerji and Abhishek Bachchan could further raise expectations. With Shah Rukh Khan leading a star-studded cast and the film scheduled for release on 24 December 2026, audiences will be watching closely for an official confirmation of Rani’s role and her reported pairing with Abhishek.