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Phars Films acquires overseas rights to Shah Rukh Khan's King in record deal

The Middle East-based distributor has committed a record minimum guarantee reported at ₹175 crore, replacing Yash Raj Films to handle international distribution for the action thriller. Dubai-based distributor Phars Films has acquired international distribution rights for the upcoming action feature King, starring Shah Rukh Khan, taking over duties originally slated for Yash Raj Films. The acquisition involves an unprecedented overseas minimum guarantee reported at ₹175 crore. The transaction represents a historical benchmark for an Indian theatrical release, where international minimum guarantee agreements had previously never crossed the ₹100 crore mark. Under the strategy, Phars Films is expected to manage distribution directly in the Middle East while licensing individual overseas markets to local sub-distributors. Territory-level transactions are already underway, including a reported high-value sub-distribution offer in Germany, though distribution across North America and the United Kingdom will see operational adjustments from Yash Raj Films' typical direct handling. Co-produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix Pictures, the title shifts away from the commission-based distribution model previously used for Khan's releases such as Jawan and Dunki. The agreement significantly reduces financial risk for the production by securing upfront recovery, while setting a worldwide overseas theatrical recoupment benchmark estimated between $48m and $50m. The production faces a competitive international theatrical rollout across the Christmas and New Year corridor, where it is anticipated to contend for cinema screen allocations alongside Hollywood releases including Avengers: Doomsday, Dune Part 3, and Jumanji 3. Source: pinkvilla.com