SRK Called Aditya Chopra Before King’s Overseas Rights Shifted
Shah Rukh Khan personally called Aditya Chopra before King's overseas rights moved to Phars Films, and YRF's chief gave his blessing.
A call before the contract
When Shah Rukh Khan’s next big film changes hands, the business does not happen quietly. Bollywood Hungama reports that before King‘s international distribution rights moved from Yash Raj Films to Phars Films, SRK personally telephoned Aditya Chopra to explain the decision.
A source from Khan’s team said the two had what was described as “a lovely conversation.” Chopra understood the point of view, agreed to part with the overseas rights, wished SRK well and said he was looking forward to watching the film this Christmas.
Why the call mattered
The gesture carried thirty years of history. Shah Rukh Khan starred in Aditya Chopra’s directorial debut, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, in 1995. The film became a landmark and still runs at Mumbai’s Maratha Mandir. He went on to headline several memorable YRF films and shared a close bond with Aditya’s father, the late Yash Chopra.
For viewers, that context changes the reading of the news. This was not a quiet falling-out between a star and a studio; it was a relationship handled with respect before any announcement was made.
Overseas distribution decides who releases a film outside India — booking theatres, arranging marketing and handling publicity in markets like the Gulf, North America and the UK. For a Shah Rukh Khan opener, those markets matter enormously, so the partner choice gets close attention.
Everything else moving around King
The distribution shift is only one of several recent changes on the film:
- Anirudh Ravichander has amicably exited due to a packed schedule. Before leaving, he handed over the theme track, which Sachin-Jigar will reimagine as the foundation of the background score.
- T-Series holds the exclusive global commercial music rights to King for 50 years, in a deal negotiated by Red Chillies Entertainment through Zee Music Company.
- The cast includes Deepika Padukone, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, Jaideep Ahlawat and Anil Kapoor.
None of this suggests trouble on set. Instead, the updates point to a production that is finalising its business plan cleanly — music locked for half a century, scoring handed off smoothly, and distribution placed with a partner the star can vouch for.
What to watch for next
A promotional asset is expected to drop on November 2, timed to Shah Rukh Khan’s 61st birthday. With the film set for a Christmas release, that date should mark the start of the campaign in earnest.
Source: bollywoodHungama.com
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