Bollywood fans, brace yourselves! Eid 2026 is going to witness a massive box office battle between two iconic names in the industry: Shah Rukh Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Both are set to release their highly-anticipated films on the same date, March 20, 2026. On one side, you have Bhansali’s Love and War, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal. On the other, Shah Rukh Khan is gearing up for King, a film that also marks the first time he will share screen space with his daughter, Suhana Khan.
This clash is going to be extra special as it will be the third time the two giants—Shah Rukh Khan and Bhansali—will go head-to-head at the box office. In the past, both have won once each, making this a ‘tie-breaker’ of sorts.
Shah Rukh Khan vs Bhansali: A History of Clashes
The rivalry between Shah Rukh Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali is not new to Bollywood. In fact, their first box office clash dates back to 2007 when Shah Rukh’s Om Shanti Om went up against Bhansali’s Saawariya. At the time, Om Shanti Om emerged as the clear winner, raking in Rs 78.25 crore, while Saawariya could only manage Rs 22.31 crore, despite being the debut film of Ranbir Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor.
Their second clash came in 2015 when Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani competed against Shah Rukh’s Dilwale. This time, Bhansali’s period drama, starring Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and Priyanka Chopra, dominated the box office with Rs 184.30 crore, while Dilwale ended its run at Rs 148.00 crore.
What to Expect from Love and War and King in 2026
Love and War: Bhansali’s Epic Tale of Conflict
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love and War has already generated a lot of buzz, thanks to its stellar cast and Bhansali’s directorial reputation. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, and Vicky Kaushal in lead roles, and according to insiders, Ranbir’s role in the movie might feature him in a grey-shaded character, which has piqued the audience’s interest.
Bhansali’s knack for storytelling, combined with a powerful cast, gives Love and War a strong edge. Moreover, Ranbir Kapoor’s recent success with Animal has further boosted his stardom, which could draw in large crowds.
King: Shah Rukh Khan’s Family Affair with Suhana
On the other side, Shah Rukh Khan’s King is directed by Sujoy Ghosh and marks the Bollywood debut of his daughter, Suhana Khan, in a lead role. This father-daughter collaboration is a unique selling point for King. Abhishek Bachchan is also playing a negative role, adding another layer of excitement to the film.
However, King has faced a lukewarm response in the market so far. Part of this is due to the underwhelming reception of Suhana’s debut film, The Archies, which may not have created the desired hype for her next project. As of now, King appears to be riding primarily on Shah Rukh Khan’s star power.
2026 Clash: Who Has the Upper Hand?
With both films releasing on the same day, the competition is fierce. Early industry buzz suggests that Love and War might have an edge, thanks to Bhansali’s established directorial style and Ranbir Kapoor’s rising stardom. Meanwhile, King may struggle a bit, especially with Suhana Khan still finding her footing in the industry.
That said, it’s too early to predict the outcome, as Shah Rukh Khan has always been known for his fan following and box office pull. The combination of Sujoy Ghosh’s direction and a unique storyline could still turn the tide in favor of King.
The Bigger Picture: Two Giants Collide Again
Both Shah Rukh Khan and Sanjay Leela Bhansali have massive fan bases and are known for their ability to draw audiences. However, 2026 will decide who comes out on top in what is likely to be one of the most talked-about box office clashes in recent years. As the release date draws closer, the marketing, trailer releases, and initial audience reactions will play crucial roles in determining the success of both films.
As we count down to Eid 2026, one thing is for sure: Bollywood fans are in for a treat!
