When Shah Rukh Khan makes a comeback, the world talks about it. And right now, SRK’s upcoming film King has been gathering steam ever since its December
24 release date was announced. A brief announcement video featuring SRK with salt-and-pepper hair, standing against a snow-covered backdrop, instantly set social media buzzing. Soon after, speculation emerged that King may be inspired by Luc Besson’s 1994 cult classic Leon: The Professional. There are rumours that Shah Rukh Khan essays a mentor-like role opposite Suhana Khan’s character.
Plot of Leon: The Professional?
Released in 1994, Leon: The Professional is an English-language French action thriller written and directed by Luc Besson. The film stars Jean Reno as Léon, a solitary Italian-American hitman working in New York, and marks Natalie Portman’s debut as Mathilda Lando, a troubled 12-year-old girl. Gary Oldman delivers a memorable performance as the corrupt and unhinged DEA agent Norman Stansfield.
The story begins when Mathilda’s family is brutally murdered by Stansfield after her father, who was stashing drugs for corrupt agents, steals from their supply. Mathilda narrowly escapes death and seeks refuge in Léon’s apartment. Though reluctant at first, Léon takes her in, forming an unconventional bond. This connection between both is at the heart of this film.
Mentor-protege relationship
The film was loved for the way it portrayed Léon and Mathilda's bond. After discovering Léon’s profession, Mathilda insists on being trained as a hitman so she can avenge her younger brother’s death. Léon initially resists but eventually teaches her the basics of his trade, while Mathilda helps him with everyday tasks and even teaches him how to read. Their bond is filled with innocence, grief and mutual dependence, though Léon never reciprocates Mathilda’s romantic feelings.
If King does draw inspiration from this dynamic, Shah Rukh Khan’s role as a guide or protector to Suhana Khan’s character could form the emotional backbone of the film. As per reports, Abhishek Bachchan is playing the dreaded villain. The trio can create magic on-screen with the source material as emotional as Leon: The Professional.
Climax and ending explained
The film builds towards a tense showdown between Léon and Stansfield. After Mathilda’s failed attempt to kill Stansfield, Léon rescues her, triggering a violent manhunt. In the final act, Léon sacrifices himself to ensure Mathilda’s escape. Mortally wounded, he confronts Stansfield and hands him a grenade pin, revealing explosives strapped to his vest. The explosion kills both men, ending the cycle of violence but leaving Mathilda distraught. In the closing moments, Mathilda returns to school and plants Léon’s houseplant in the soil. The ending shows that everyone deserves a new beginning without burying old memories. Mathilda is better off at school, but that does not mean she has forgotten her bond with Léon. It is a bittersweet feeling for the audience.
Could King follow similar path?
While King makers have neither confirmed nor denied the reports, the chatter refuses to die down.. While King is unlikely to be a direct remake, the themes of mentorship, redemption and emotional transformation can be used to create a wonderful film. Whether director Siddharth Anand reimagines these elements in a larger-than-life canvas, suited to Indian cinegoers remains to be seen. The first look and announcement video show grand visuals, a far cry from Leon: The Professional.
King boasts an ensemble cast including Deepika Padukone, Jaideep Ahlawat, Arshad Warsi, Raghav Juyal and Abhay Verma, with Anil Kapoor, Rani Mukerji and Jackie Shroff in supporting roles. The possible parallels with Leon have only heightened curiosity about the film’s narrative and emotional core.
