Ajay Devgn Set to Clash with Shah Rukh Khan: Could This Move Impact KING's Box Office Fate?

The coming years are set to witness some of the biggest box office battles in Bollywood, and one of the most talked-about potential clashes is between two superstars—Ajay Devgn and Shah Rukh Khan. While fans are eagerly waiting for SRK’s next project KING, Ajay Devgn has locked the release date for his much-anticipated thriller Drishyam 3. The catch? Both films are reportedly eyeing the same release window—October 2, 2026—setting the stage for a massive showdown.

Ajay Devgn’s Drishyam franchise has a strong legacy. The first two installments were massive hits and earned both critical acclaim and commercial success. With Drishyam 3 officially announced for an October 2 release, the date holds a special meaning for fans. In fact, October 2 is deeply tied to the storyline of the series. The first film had the iconic question, "What did you do on October 2?" while the second part built further on that timeline. Given the franchise’s emotional connection to this date, it’s no surprise the makers have chosen it once again for the final chapter.

Panorama Studios recently confirmed that shooting for Drishyam 3 will begin in August 2025, with Abhishek Pathak returning to direct. The anticipation is already high, and Ajay Devgn’s portrayal of Vijay Salgaonkar remains one of the most loved characters in recent memory. The holiday release is expected to give the film a major box office advantage.

But here’s where the tension brews—Shah Rukh Khan’s KING, one of the most awaited action thrillers, is also rumored to arrive around the same time. Though the makers have yet to announce an official date, industry insiders suggest that SRK and his team were eyeing October 2, 2026, as a prime release slot. If this buzz turns out to be true, it could spell trouble for both films.

Clashes between big stars are nothing new in Bollywood, but they always carry risks. Two major films releasing on the same day can divide the audience and affect collections. While Shah Rukh Khan is riding high on the success of his previous hits, KING marks a new chapter in his filmography and expectations are sky-high. However, going up against an already established franchise like Drishyam may prove to be a tough challenge.

Ajay Devgn clearly has a strategic edge here. The emotional link with October 2, combined with a proven storyline and loyal fanbase, gives Drishyam 3 a strong foundation. On the other hand, KING is still under wraps with very little revealed, making it a slightly more unpredictable bet in a box office clash.

As of now, the clash remains speculative, but if both films do release on the same day, it will be one of the biggest face-offs Bollywood has seen in years. Will the audience side with Vijay Salgaonkar’s intense mind games or Shah Rukh Khan’s new avatar in KING?

Until official announcements are made, the industry and fans can only wait and watch. But one thing’s for sure—October 2, 2026, is shaping up to be a blockbuster day.