The title reveal of Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming film King coincided with the actor’s 60th birthday, and it sent waves across social media. Fans were thrilled to see the Bollywood superstar in a silver-haired, gun-toting avatar, signaling a new phase in his career. But amid the excitement, some viewers couldn’t help noticing a costume detail that bore a striking resemblance to Brad Pitt’s look in the 2001 Hollywood movie F1. The debate sparked online, with discussions ranging from accusations of copying to admiration for a possible homage.

The Controversy: F1 vs King

Shortly after the first look of King was released, social media users pointed out a specific outfit worn by Shah Rukh Khan: a blue shirt paired with a tan jacket. The ensemble appeared familiar to fans of Hollywood cinema, drawing comparisons to Brad Pitt’s iconic look in F1. Clips comparing the two stars’ styles quickly went viral, with some commenters describing Shah Rukh’s outfit as “inspired” by Pitt, while others went as far as calling it a “cheap copy.”

The comparisons mainly focused on the combination of the tan jacket and casual shirt, a styling choice that fans noted was very similar to Pitt’s character in F1, down to the laid-back, effortless vibe. Trolls speculated that the film’s costume designer must have watched F1 before working on King, suggesting the look was deliberately recreated.

Fans Rally to Shah Rukh Khan’s Defense

While some viewers criticized the costume choice, a much larger number of fans came to Shah Rukh Khan’s defense. Many suggested that the outfit was a homage rather than a copy, praising the stylish nod to an iconic Hollywood look. One fan tweeted, “Manifested SRK to look like Brad Pitt in F1 and the Universe didn’t even hesitate,” playfully suggesting that the resemblance was a fun coincidence rather than plagiarism.

Another fan theorized that the look was intentionally paying tribute to F1, writing, “I think this was intentional; a homage to Brad Pitt’s #F1 look.” Several others pointed out finer details, like how Brad Pitt’s character carried a lucky card, drawing humorous parallels to Shah Rukh Khan’s cinematic persona in King.

Interestingly, some fans reminded trolls that Shah Rukh Khan had previously sported a similar outfit. Photos from Jab Harry Met Sejal (2017) were circulated online, showing the Bollywood actor wearing a tan jacket and blue shirt combo, technically predating Brad Pitt’s F1 ensemble. “People are trolling #SRK for copying #BradPitt. Seriously bruh?” one fan tweeted, highlighting that the narrative of copying may be misplaced.

King: A Star-Studded Project

King is directed by Siddharth Anand, the filmmaker behind the 2023 hit Pathaan, which also starred Shah Rukh Khan. The film boasts a star-studded ensemble, including Suhana Khan, Deepika Padukone, and Abhishek Bachchan. The first look of Shah Rukh with his silver hair and intense demeanor has set high expectations, showcasing his evolution as an actor ready to embrace more edgy, action-oriented roles.

The upcoming release has created a lot of buzz due to its combination of action, glamour, and star power, and the costume debate has only amplified interest. Whether the blue shirt and tan jacket were an intentional tribute or a coincidence, the discussion demonstrates how keenly fans and critics analyze every detail of Shah Rukh Khan’s on-screen appearance.

Conclusion

As King moves closer to its release, the debate over Shah Rukh Khan’s “F1-inspired look” has become a talking point in both Bollywood and international cinema circles. While trolls continue to speculate about costume inspiration, fans have overwhelmingly rallied behind the superstar, pointing out that Shah Rukh has donned similar outfits long before and that the resemblance may simply be coincidental.

In the end, the conversation underscores the global cultural interplay in cinema and how costume choices, even minor ones, can spark comparisons across film industries. Regardless of the debate, Shah Rukh Khan’s King promises thrills, glamour, and style, and fans are eagerly awaiting the actor’s latest cinematic transformation.