Just a day after social media was flooded with leaked photos from the sets of the much-anticipated action-drama King, director Siddharth Anand has issued an official statement addressing the situation. The viral images, reportedly featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone shooting in Cape Town, sparked massive excitement among fans, but have also left the film’s team concerned about preserving the cinematic experience.

Taking to social media, Siddharth Anand shared a note requesting fans and online platforms to refrain from circulating unauthorized content from the shoot. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining the film’s intrigue, the filmmaker urged audiences to wait for official reveals.

"Request to all the fans. Please do not post or circulate any leaked multimedia from the sets of King. The team is working round the clock to ensure the best cinematic experience for everyone. Let us wait for the surprise on the big screen and for the assets to be revealed as the team of King originally intends to. Thank you for your love, support and cooperation”.

pic.twitter.com/sTvx9IP4w3 — Siddharth Anand (@justSidAnand) May 1, 2026

The leaked visuals, which reportedly show Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone in an sweet moment holding hands, during filming, quickly went viral across platforms, further amplifying buzz around the project. The film, already one of the most awaited releases, has been making headlines for multiple reasons.

King holds particular significance for Shah Rukh Khan fans as it marks the theatrical debut of his daughter, Suhana Khan, in a full-fledged role alongside him. While Suhana previously made her acting debut with The Archies, this film will be her first major big-screen outing, adding an emotional and legacy-driven layer to the anticipation.

Apart from the father-daughter pairing, the film also boasts a strong ensemble cast including Abhishek Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Rani Mukerji, Abhay Verma, and Raghav Juyal in pivotal roles. With Siddharth Anand at the helm—known for mounting large-scale action spectacles—the film is expected to deliver a high-octane cinematic experience.

Currently in production, King has been shot across multiple international locations, with Cape Town being one of the key schedules. The makers have been maintaining tight secrecy around the storyline and visuals, making the recent leak a setback to their carefully planned promotional strategy.

Slated for a theatrical release on December 24, 2026, King continues to build strong momentum, with fans eagerly awaiting official glimpses from what promises to be one of the biggest Bollywood releases of the year.

Also Read: Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone seen holding hands in LEAKED King photos from Cape Town

Fresh excitement around King has taken over social media after leaked photos from the film’s Cape Town schedule surfaced online. The images feature Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone shooting together, giving fans an early glimpse of their latest on-screen reunion.

The leaked stills appear to have been captured from a distance at the outdoor shoot location in Cape Town. In the photos, Shah Rukh Khan is seen dressed in a vertically striped button-down shirt paired with dark trousers. He completed the look with sunglasses and a windswept hairstyle.

Deepika Padukone, meanwhile, is seen in profile wearing a flowing golden-toned gown with voluminous sleeves. Her hair was styled in loose waves, and she appeared to be mid-motion, possibly during a shot or rehearsal. One of the standout moments from the leaked visuals shows Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika holding hands while crew members surrounded them.

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The photos have gone viral just days after Deepika Padukone announced that she is expecting her second child. Her presence on the set has sparked conversations among fans, many of whom praised the actor for balancing work commitments while entering a new phase of personal life.

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King is among the most anticipated upcoming Hindi releases and features a strong ensemble cast. Along with Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, the film also stars Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Arshad Warsi and Jaideep Ahlawat in key roles.

The project is especially significant for Suhana Khan, as it marks her theatrical debut after making her screen debut in The Archies. Expectations are high around her big-screen launch alongside her father Shah Rukh Khan.

While the makers have kept plot details under wraps, the leaked images have only increased curiosity around the film’s scale and presentation. With Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone reuniting once again after successful collaborations in the past, audiences are eager to see what King has in store.

The film is currently scheduled for a Christmas 2026 release and is expected to arrive in cinemas on December 24.

Also Read: Fact Check: Is Shah Rukh Khan–Deepika Padukone’s song from King really leaked? Here’s the truth!

As excitement builds around the guest list for the Met Gala 2026, reports suggest that Indian business personality and philanthropist Sudha Reddy may be set for another appearance at fashion’s biggest night. According to sources, the Hyderabad-based social figure is expected to return to the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art for her third outing after skipping last year’s edition.

Sudha Reddy has previously drawn attention for representing Indian craftsmanship on an international platform. She first attended the Met Gala in 2021 wearing a bespoke look by Falguni Shane Peacock. She returned in 2024 in a handcrafted creation by Tarun Tahiliani, further strengthening her identity as one of the few Indian personalities regularly seen at the global fashion event.

If reports are accurate, her 2026 look could once again place Indian design in the spotlight. Insiders claim she may collaborate with Manish Malhotra for the gala this year. Styling is reportedly expected to be overseen by Mariel Haenn, known for working with international names including Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna and Pharrell Williams.

A source from Hyderabad said, “Expect something rooted in heritage and culture but scaled for a global stage. Her Met Gala appearances are never just about fashion, they’re about identity and presence. She will be once again championing Indian craftsmanship on the world stage as her vision is to proudly make a statement for Indian textiles and jewellery.”

Beyond fashion, Sudha Reddy continues to maintain an active global profile. She serves as a director at Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited and leads the Sudha Reddy Foundation. She has also attended events such as the Cannes Film Festival, Paris Haute Couture Week and the White House Correspondents' Dinner.

The Met Gala 2026 is scheduled for May 4, 2026, and is expected to host around 450 global figures from entertainment, fashion, sports and business. This year’s theme is “Fashion Is Art,” exploring the connection between clothing and artistic expression over 5,000 years.

The gala will reportedly be co-chaired by Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams and Anna Wintour.

With the official guest list still under wraps, growing speculation around Sudha Reddy’s return reflects the increasing visibility of Indian names on one of fashion’s most-watched stages.

Also Read: Ashwin Dhar, aka Arshad Pappu from Dhurandhar, REACTS to comparison with Shah Rukh Khan’s Met Gala look: “It is a big compliment” 

The Bombay High Court has dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) that sought a stay on the theatrical release of the Marathi-Hindi bilingual film Raja Shivaji, clearing the way for the movie’s scheduled release on May 1, 2026. The petition had objected to the omission of the honorific “Chhatrapati” from the film’s title and claimed it was disrespectful to the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

The plea was filed by NGO Sree Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Foundation, which argued that leaving out the title “Chhatrapati” hurt the sentiments of followers of the iconic Maratha ruler. The petitioner requested the court to direct the makers to rename the film Chhatrapati Raja Shivaji and also sought restrictions on the release, screening, and public exhibition of the movie until changes were made.

A division bench led by Chief Justice Shree Chandrashekhar and Justice Gautam Ankhad rejected the petition, observing that the matter did not involve any real public cause. The court also noted the timing of the plea, pointing out that it was filed only two days before the film’s release.

According to the bench, there was nothing in the title Raja Shivaji that could be considered insulting or derogatory to the status of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The judges stated that the petition appeared to be motivated rather than filed in genuine public interest.

The respondents in the case included the Union of India, the State of Maharashtra, the Central Board of Film Certification, actor-director Riteish Deshmukh, producers Jyoti Deshpande, Genelia Deshmukh, and Mumbai Film Company Pvt Ltd.

During the hearing, counsel representing the film’s producers informed the court that the story focuses on Shivaji Maharaj’s life before his coronation in 1674, when he officially received the title of “Chhatrapati.” It was also stated that a disclaimer explaining this context had already been included in the film and approved by the CBFC.

The producers further submitted that the project had been publicly announced in February 2024, while its release date was declared in 2025, meaning the title had long been in the public domain.

In its final remarks, the High Court said public interest litigation was meant to amplify genuine public concerns, and not be misused for such last-minute objections.

Also Read: Raja Shivaji Box Office Prediction: Riteish Deshmukh’s film to open HUGE, take comfortable DOUBLE DIGIT opening

Reports are doing the rounds that Shraddha Kapoor is no longer a part of Ekta Kapoor’s upcoming thriller. However, filmmaker Rahi Anil Barve, who is said to be directing the film, has seemingly dismissed the rumours. “These are all rumours. Everything is a rumor,” Barve told Bombay Times when asked about Shraddha’s exit. He did not confirm or deny her departure but added a cryptic note: “Right now all I can say is that I'm finishing Rakt Brahmand. I am working on my next. That's it.”

Readers may recall that Bollywood Hungama reported that Shraddha reportedly asked for a fee of Rs 17 crores, along with a share in the film’s profits. This would have made her one of the highest-paid actresses in Bollywood. However, the latest PeepingMoon report stated that Ekta Kapoor found the amount too high, especially considering the challenges faced by women-led films at the box office.

Due to this, the film’s budget may have been impacted, and the producers have now started looking for a new lead. The report added that the makers are in talks with several top actresses to step in.

Meanwhile, Shraddha is said to be exploring multiple projects. She is reportedly in talks with Dinesh Vijan, Boney Kapoor, and Bhushan Kumar. A formal announcement about her next project is expected within the next two months.

While there has been no official confirmation from Shraddha Kapoor or Ekta Kapoor's team, director Rahi Anil Barve has resumed work on his upcoming web series Rakt Brahmand. The fantasy drama stars Aditya Roy Kapur, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Ali Fazal. It was earlier delayed due to financial issues but is now set to begin filming in Mumbai next month. Barve is expected to focus on Ekta’s thriller only after finishing this project.

Also Read: Shraddha Kapoor backs out of Ektaa Kapoor’s next with Rahi Anil Barve? Fee dispute sparks exit: Report