Back in 2018, Yash decided to release his action entertainer KGF: Chapter 1 on the same day, December 21, as Shah Rukh Khan’s Zero. When trade circles learnt about the development, they advised Yash to reconsider his decision. However, the actor remained firm and went ahead with the box-office clash. As it turned out, Yash’s regional film went on to outperform SRK’s big-budget Bollywood film globally.

While Zero reportedly grossed around Rs 190 crore worldwide on a budget of approximately Rs 200 crore, KGF: Chapter 1 emerged as a major commercial success, grossing over Rs 250 crore worldwide. More importantly, the Prashanth Neel directorial introduced Yash to audiences across India and marked the beginning of his pan-India stardom. Ever since, comparisons between Yash and Shah Rukh Khan have often brought up the 2018 clash between KGF: Chapter 1 and Zero.

Yash recalls box-office clash with SRK

Yash is currently promoting his upcoming film Toxic. During his appearance on Aap Ki Adalat, the superstar was asked whether releasing KGF alongside Shah Rukh Khan’s Zero was a deliberate decision. The question was particularly interesting given Yash’s admiration for the Bollywood superstar.

“Aap Shah Rukh Khan ke bahut bade fan hain, aap unse milna chahte the and jab time nahi diya toh aapne unki Zero ke saath apni KGF film clash kara li,” the host asked.

Reflecting on the decision years later, Yash offered a straightforward explanation: “Our film (KGF) was a small one and Shah Rukh sir’s film was huge, so we released on the same day.”

Yash maintains respect for SRK

Yash also clarified that the release overlap was not motivated by any rivalry with SRK. According to the actor, KGF had to release across five languages, and distribution considerations played a major role in determining its release date.

The actor also reiterated his deep respect for Shah Rukh Khan, making it clear that a box-office result does not make him bigger than a senior superstar. Despite the phenomenal success of the KGF franchise and his growing pan-India stature, Yash continues to describe himself as a huge fan of SRK and considers him an enduring icon.

With Toxic and his upcoming projects, including Ramayana, Yash is now firmly established as one of Indian cinema’s biggest pan-India stars. Yet his recollection of the KGF–Zero clash suggests that, for him, sharing a release date with Shah Rukh Khan was never about proving who was bigger.

Also Read: Yash’s Toxic Trailer Enhances Pan-India Buzz

Prabhas has always treated his social media profiles primarily as professional tools for promoting his films rather than as personal spaces. The actor has previously said in interviews that he has little interest in social media culture and largely uses it to support his films and their teams. Known for maintaining a quiet life away from the glare of social media, Prabhas surprised fans on Friday by updating his Instagram display picture (DP).

Fans express surprise

Prabhas has little personal interest in social media and does not actively manage his online profiles. The actor is known to be shy, press-averse and deeply private, preferring to stay away from the online spotlight. Given that, his decision to change his DP after several years came as a surprise to fans. More significantly, the new picture features him from Fauzi, highlighting his confidence in the upcoming film directed by Hanu Raghavapudi.

Naturally, several Prabhas fans have interpreted the move as the first sign of Fauzi’s promotional campaign getting underway. Fans have pointed out that the actor did not make similar social media updates for Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire or Kalki 2898 AD. His latest move, therefore, stands out as a potential endorsement of the film and its upcoming promotional campaign.

Fans are now anticipating more updates from Fauzi as the period action drama gears up for its December 3, 2026 release. With nearly 14 million followers on Instagram, Prabhas commands considerable influence when it comes to digital engagement.

All eyes on Fauzi

Fauzi has already generated considerable buzz for its period setting, war-drama premise and Prabhas’ role as a fearless, battle-hardened soldier in the 1940s, during the final years of British colonial rule. He reportedly plays a British Indian Army soldier who joins the Azad Hind Fauj (Indian National Army) under Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

The film carries the tagline “A Battalion Who Fights Alone”, hinting at a story built around high-octane action, patriotism and rebellion. The posters have presented Prabhas in an intense new avatar, further fuelling anticipation for the pan-India release.

With the actor himself now putting Fauzi front and centre on his social media profile, fans are wondering if this is merely the beginning of a much bigger promotional rollout.

Also Read: Prabhas’ Fauzi: Publicity Designers Confirm AI Was Used in The Poster