Sukumar’s Next With Shah Rukh Khan? 

It is not new for South Indian directors to helm Hindi films. In earlier times, filmmakers like K. Raghavendra Rao, Bapayya, Tatineni Rama Rao, Dasari Narayana Rao, Mani Ratnam, Priyadarshan and Ram Gopal Varma made significant contributions to Bollywood. More recently, directors like A.R. Murugadoss, Atlee Kumar, Sandeep Reddy Vanga and Gowtam Tinnanuri have made their mark in the Hindi film industry.
Now, the latest buzz is that Pushpa director Sukumar is all set to make his Bollywood debut. Reports suggest that he will be directing none other than the ‘Badshah of Bollywood,’ Shah Rukh Khan. Shah Rukh Khan previously worked with South Indian director Atlee for Jawan, which was a massive success. Now, reports indicate that he is gearing up for another collaboration with a South director—this time, Sukumar, who has delivered back-to-back blockbusters, including the recently released Pushpa 2. According to reports, the film is expected to be a rural political action drama that will present SRK in a never-before-seen avatar. Sukumar, known for his perfectionism, taking on a project with Shah Rukh Khan has already generated immense excitement in the film industry. Additionally, reports suggest that SRK will play an anti-hero in this film.
However, one concern remains—Sukumar’s filmmaking process is known to take time. Throughout his career, he has taken over a year to complete each of his projects. Even with Pushpa and its sequel, the process took nearly four and a half years. This raises the question: Will Sukumar be able to complete his film with SRK within a stipulated timeline?
Moreover, Sukumar is currently committed to RC 17 with Ram Charan, followed by Pushpa 3: The Rampage. Meanwhile, Shah Rukh Khan is occupied with multiple projects, including King, an action drama set to begin filming in May 2025, followed by Pathaan 2, the sequel to his 2023 box-office juggernaut. Given their packed schedules, it appears that Sukumar and Shah Rukh Khan might only be able to collaborate post-2027.